Winners and losers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
According to News.
Context
Kylian Mbappé had a remarkable performance at the 2026 World Cup, contributing significantly to the French team. His skill on the field and ability to score goals in decisive moments placed him among the best players in the tournament, raising expectations about his future in football and his participation in elite clubs.
Why this matters
The 2026 World Cup was a stage for great stories, where Kylian Mbappé stood out as one of the main players, solidifying his reputation in world football. The tournament also brought to light the importance of players like Vozinha, who became unexpected icons, while others, like Roberto Martinez, faced criticism for performances below expectations. These narratives shape the perception of the tournament and influence the future of athletes and teams.
Main conclusions
- Winners and losers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- The analysis of the winners and losers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup highlights great performances and memorable moments from players and teams, such as Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
- Winners and losers from the 2026 FIFA World Cup - Yahoo Sports.
The 2026 World Cup left its mark with stories of triumphs and disappointments, revealing both exceptional players and teams that failed to live up to expectations. Let's check out the main winners and losers of the tournament!
**Winner: Vozinha – Cape Verde**
No one could have imagined that Vozinha, the experienced goalkeeper from Cape Verde, would become the most followed on social media after the World Cup. The Cape Verdean team had an incredible campaign reaching the round of 16, capturing hearts with the passion that Vozinha showed on the field. With more than 29 million followers on Instagram, he is a true phenomenon!
**Loser: Roberto Martinez – Portugal**
Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez continues to accumulate disappointments in his career. After a disappointing career with Belgium, he was unable to do the same with Portugal. With a team full of stars like Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, Portugal were eliminated early, leaving fans frustrated.
**Winner: Rodri – Spain**
After recovering from surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament, Rodri came back with everything and stood out in the Spanish team, which won the world title. He was the leader in passes during the tournament and joined the select group of players who have won the World Cup, the Champions League and the Best Player in the World award.
**Loser: Türkiye**
Considered one of the surprises of the tournament, Turkey disappointed and finished in last place in a group that seemed favorable. With players like Kenan Yildiz and Hakan Calhanoglu, the Turkish team failed to advance from the group stage, losing to Australia and Paraguay.
**Winner: Lionel Messi – Argentina**
Messi, at 39 years old, showed that he still has a lot to offer. Although he did not win the title, his performance in theThe World Cup was historic, with eight goals and four assists, guaranteeing him awards such as the Silver Shoe and the Silver Ball. His talent and leadership were crucial for Argentina, taking them to another final.

**Loser: Asia**
Despite the expansion of the World Cup, Asian teams performed below expectations. Only Japan and Australia managed to advance, while others, such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, finished at the bottom of their groups.
**Winner: Kylian Mbappé – France**
Mbappé stood out as one of the tournament's big names, scoring 10 goals and becoming the World Cup's top scorer. He joined a select group of players who achieved this feat and became the greatest scorer in the history of the tournament, surpassing Messi.
**Loser: Thomas Tuchel – England**
Despite leading England to their best World Cup campaign away from home, the manner in which they were eliminated in the semi-finals after a defensive performance left many questioning Tuchel's tactics.
**Winner: Morocco**
Morocco established itself as the best African team in the tournament, easily advancing to the knockout stages and leaving its mark in history.
**Loser: Julian Nagelsmann – Germany**
The German team had a disastrous campaign, being eliminated in the group stage once again. Nagelsmann failed to bring the expected success, resulting in his departure from command of the team.
This World Cup will be marked by its ups and downs, showing that football continues to surprise and excite us all!
What happens next
With the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, eyes turn to future competitions and how players, including Kylian Mbappé, will prepare for new challenges. Mbappé's performance could impact his position at clubs and national teams, while Vozinha could capitalize on his popularity on social media. Furthermore, the pressure on coaches like Roberto Martinez increases as they look to redeem their careers in future competitions.