2026 was a World Cup of contradictions – with a tainted legacy

This whole World Cup felt tangled in a web of contradictions, with matters on and off the field colliding to create a drama-filled, but in Miguel Delaney’s opinion, forgettable tournament. After two months in North America, our chief football writer wraps up the event.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 14:45

How Luis de la Fuente’s tactical tweaks perfected Spain and created World Cup final masterclass

Spain remain the masters of tiki-taka – though under Luis de la Fuente, their tactics have evolved slightly. Chris Wilson explains.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 14:30

Spain to receive hero’s welcome after arriving back in Madrid

Spain’s open-top bus parade will begin at 7pm local time (6pm BST) after the players return to home soil, with their plane due to land at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport at around 2:30pm on Monday.

The parade will follow a period of downtime for the players, coaching staff and federation officials, who will be taken straight to a secure location for lunch before the celebrations.

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Jamie Braidwood20 July 2026 14:23

World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The Independent’s best XI from historic event

Do any of Thomas Tuchel’s squad make our team of the tournament? As you might expect, it’s a Spain-heavy selection…

Harry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 14:15

When is Spain’s World Cup trophy parade and what is the route?

Spain, meanwhile, will celebrate their World Cup triumph with a trophy parade later today.

Will Castle20 July 2026 14:00

Spain arrive back in Madrid ahead of World Cup trophy parade

Spain have touched down in Madrid, with captain Rodri proudly holding the World Cup trophy aloft after stepping off the plane with head coach Luis de la Fuente.

Crowds packed Madrid’s Puerta de Sol and other major squares as they celebrated into the early hours of Monday morning, and that will only continue after the team land back in Spain – with supporters already securing their spots in Cibeles Square for the parade as they brave the baking sun.

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Jamie Braidwood20 July 2026 13:56

Spain’s legacy is clear and this is what England must learn from World Cup winners

What can England and the rest of the world’s teams learn from Spain? Miguel Delaney explains the key tenets of their continued footballing success.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 13:50

Crowd boos, player snub and failed photobomb: Donald Trump’s big World Cup day out

Argentina weren’t the only ones misbehaving after the match. What was Donald Trump doing? Kieran Jackson recaps the president’s big day out:

Harry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 13:30

What punishment could Argentina face as World Cup final ends in brawl?

Fifa are set to investigate the post-match scenes before deciding whether to take additional disciplinary action – but violent conduct carries a three-match ban.

Jamie Braidwood20 July 2026 13:15

Wayne Rooney’s brutal verdict on half-time show

I think Wayne Rooney spoke for most of us on the BBC’s coverage of the half-time show last night. The former England striker had a good tournament – which you wouldn’t have always said during his playing career.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 13:00