A look at the most exciting moments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup

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Spain took home the World Cup trophy after a 1-0 win over Argentina in extra time in the final. The tournament began June 11.

July 19, 2026, 7:07 PM EDT

By NBC News Digital Art and Photo Department

The 2026 World Cup has come to a close.

Spain is the winner after a thrilling 1-0 win in the final, holding off Lionel Messi and Argentina from winning a second consecutive title.

The tournament began June 11 with the opening match in Mexico before play extended to the United States and Canada. It was an exciting tournament overall, as well as the first to feature 48 teams.

New heroes — such as Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha — were created, while several of the sport’s legends — such as Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappé — continued putting their stamp on the world’s biggest stage.

Here’s a look back at the tournament through some of the NBC News photo team’s favorite images, featuring unique atmospheres, raucous fans, the most memorable moments and more.

A view during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco. — On-field celebrations during the quarterfinal between France and Morocco in Foxborough, Mass.Ira L. Black / FIFA via Getty Images

A quad composite of World Cup images. — Clockwise from top left: A watch party in London; Japan supporters in Houston; U.S. fans at Los Angeles Stadium; a Haiti supporter in Port-au-Prince.Getty Images

Lionel Messi. — Argentina superstar Lionel Messi against Switzerland in Kansas City, Mo.Erick W. Rasco / Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

Victor Caldas cheers while inside of a prison amongst other inmates — Argentina fan Victor Caldas watches the semifinal against England with fellow Rikers Island inmates at the jail complex in New York.Seth Wenig / AP

A diptych of world cup photos. — From left: Vozinha of Cape Verde against Argentina in Miami Gardens, Fla.; a Cape Verde fan with a reproduction trophy in Houston.Getty Images

John TenBrink,Dylan TenBrink — Fans watch as the U.S. loses to Belgium at a FIFA Fan Zone on the National Mall in Washington.Rod Lamkey / AP

Portugal v Croatia: Round of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026 — Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates a goal against Croatia in Toronto.Patrick Smith / FIFA via Getty Images

Norway fans row during the first half of a FIFA World Cup. — Norway fans row in the stands during the first half against Ivory Coast in Arlington, Texas.Juan Figueroa / The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images

A split composite image showing, left, Palestinians watching a unseen screen from a projector outside, and a boy watching a soccer match from a laptop as people sleep on sleeping bags around him inside of a shelter — From left: Palestinian football fans in the Gaza Strip watch the match between Australia and Egypt in Khan Younis; a young fan follows the match between Belgium and Senegal while sheltering in a metro station during Russian air attacks in Kyiv.Getty Images

On-field action during the world cup final match. — Enzo Fernández of Argentina fouls Pau Cubarsí of Spain, resulting in a red card, during the final.Getty Images

Soccer fans at an outdoor watch party during the world cup/ — A Messi fan watches the final match Spain and Argentina on a giant screen in Buenos Aires, Argentina.Tomas Cuesta / AFP via Getty Images

Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates scoring his team's first goal. — Kylian Mbappé of France celebrates a goal against Sweden in East Rutherford. Maddie Meyer / FIFA via Getty Images

Erling Braut Haaland. — Erling Haaland of Norway warms up with teammates in Miami Gardens.Roberto Schmidt / AFP via Getty Images

A split composite image showing two people kissing as white particles fall, left, and Jan Paul Hecke and Ismael Saibari looking into each other's eyes as their noses touch — From left: Mexico fans kiss at the Angel of Independence in Mexico City before the match against South Korea; Netherlands defender Jan Paul Van Hecke, left, and Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari face off during their match in Guadalupe, Mexico.Getty Images

Guillermo Ochoa #13 of Mexico is tossed into the air by his teammates after the team's 3-0 victory. — Teammates toss Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico into the air following their victory against the Czech Republic in Mexico City.Molly Darlington / Getty Images

APTOPIX Bosnia US WCup Soccer — Malik Tillman scores the U.S.' second goal against Bosnia from a free kick.Martin Meissner / AP

Harry Kane consoles Jude Bellingham. — Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham of England after their loss to Argentina in Atlanta.Julian Finney / FIFA via Getty Images

Scotland fans. — Scotland supporters at the match against Haiti in Foxborough.Erin Clark / Boston Globe via Getty Images file

Lionel Messi sitting on the pitch after losing the world cup final match. — Messi reacts after Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the final.Hector Vivas / FIFA via Getty Images

A diptych comp of world cup fans. — From left: Mexico supporters during a match against Ecuador in Guadalajara, Mexico; a fan in Foxborough pays homage to Mbappé.Getty Images

A series of white rings frame a man wearing a red suit coat and blue pants, standing in the crowd during a soccer game — Democratic Republic of the Congo fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga (aka Lumumba Vea) during the Group K match against Colombia in Zapopan, Mexico.Manuel Velasquez / FIFA via Getty Images

Lamine Yamal, back to camera, stands and prays on the soccer field — Lamine Yamal of Spain prays before his team's match against Belgium in Inglewood, Calif.Alex Pantling / FIFA via Getty Images

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