The 2026 FIFA World Cup gave football fans everything they could have hoped for and even more: upsets, brilliant goals, upcoming stars shining, and a champion deserving of the trophy, so we’d be looking at a couple of the best and worst teams at the FIFA World Cup.
But it is also important to note that as the tournament closes, different teams would be remembered for different reasons.
Some national teams earned immense recognition for their playstyle, fairness, and teamwork. Others frustrated fans with a poor display, not holding on to the end or negative antics that overshadowed their brilliant talents.
So without further ado here are some teams that were good and bad for all the right and wrong reasons.
Best Team: Spain – Worthy World Champions
If there was any team that displayed consistency across every play in every match throughout the tournament, it was definitely Spain.
The Spanish side, led by Luis de la Fuente, arrived at the tournament as European champions, having won it in 2024 versus England. And now, in addition to that, they have left the USA as worthy world champions after producing one of the best World Cup campaigns in recent memory.
Spain didn’t just win matches at this tournament; they were absolutely dominating opponents across both ends of the pitch.
Their midfield totally dominated opponents by controlling the match tempo; their pressing was tireless and structured, and even more importantly, their defensive organization was really difficult to break down.
They had to face Uruguay, Austria, Portugal, and Belgium across the group stage and knockout stages before facing France in the semifinal, where they produced a rather dominating performance before totally outplaying Argentina in the final over extra time to lift the trophy.
It is important to note that one of the standout aspects of this Spanish side’s success was their identity and a determination to not waver from it despite the opposition they faced.
Every single player, whether on the field or on the bench, understood their roles, and this helped them remain calm under pressure and to never be bothered much even in difficult situations.
This was more than just talent but instilled structure, discipline, and brilliant, harmonized teamwork.
To simply put this, Spain was by far the best team in this tournament and is totally deserving of being the winner.
Best Surprise Team: Norway
Every World Cup always presents us with a surprise team that exceeds our expectations, and this year it was Norway.
We expected the Vikings to do well, but few could have expected such a deep run given the relatively difficult group they also had, consisting of France and Senegal.
Their biggest statement came when they knocked Brazil out of the competition, a result that instantly turned them into one of the stories of the tournament.
One of their biggest triumphs was knocking out five-time World Cup winners Brazil, a result that immediately turned them into a force to be reckoned with in this tournament.
And even though their journey was cut short against England in the quarterfinals, a match that they dominated but fell to a Jude Bellingham dagger, Norway earned for themselves a lot of respect at this tournament.
They defended with strong discipline and attacked with a strong will like the Vikings they are; they were and are honestly never intimidated by bigger footballing nations.
Their journey in this tournament showed that a solid organization, plan, and belief are enough to go head to head with the biggest nations on football’s biggest stage.
Worst Team: Argentina
Argentina may have reached the World Cup final, but this Messi-led team, despite having the talents they have, was never talked about amongst fans for their football.
Throughout the tournament, especially the knockout stages, the defending champions were always involved in meaningless confrontations, always complaining to the referees, committing diabolical fouls, and just always attempting to rattle their opponents rather than just playing football.
While we are conversant with teams trying to gain small advantages and leeway during intense games, Argentina just kept crossing the line with behaviors that frustrated opponents, fans, and even neutral observers.
And the final against Spain pretty much summed up most of that frustration.
Rather than coming up with solutions to beat Spain’s consistent dominance, Argentina resorted to such emotional antics as the match wore on. Their lack of discipline became even more evident through Enzo Fernández’s red card and dismissal, leaving the defending champions to labor on with a man short.
None of this takes away from the talent Argentina possesses; they are, in fact, and remain one of the biggest footballing nations on earth.
But this tournament will also be remembered for moments when Argentina played anything but their football.
Most Disappointing Team: Brazil
Brazil entered the tournament among the favorites to lift the trophy.
Instead, they exited earlier than expected after being eliminated by Norway in one of the biggest shocks of the World Cup.
The disappointment wasn’t simply the result.
It was the performances.
Brazil never consistently looked like a team capable of winning the tournament. There were flashes of quality, but the balance between attack and defense often appeared fragile while they struggled to control matches against organized opponents.
With so much talent available, expectations were understandably much higher.
Their early exit will almost certainly lead to difficult questions as preparations begin for the next major tournament.
Spain Set the Standard
Every World Cup leaves behind lasting memories.
This tournament will be remembered for Spain’s dominance, Norway’s remarkable run, Brazil’s underachievement, and Argentina’s inability to just focus on playing football.
Luis de la Fuente has built a Spain side that plays with structure, discipline, and teamwork.
That combination proved too much for every opponent they faced.
While some teams will spend the next four years rebuilding and reflecting, Spain has given the rest of the football world a blueprint.
Play with purpose. Trust the system. Let the football do the talking.
In the end, that’s exactly why Spain lifted the World Cup.
