If you were looking for an outcome in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final Sunday that proved one nation clearly was better than all the rest, you got it. Spain’s 1-0 domination of Argentina at MetLife Stadium was just that.
But if you were hoping for a match that would further spark passion for the world’s sport in the United States, one that would captivate first-time casual observers, one that would cap what had been a thrilling 39-day tournament, well …
It took Spain extra time to score in a match they dominated in every metric except yellow (and red) cards. The match not only was marked by near misses, but enough flopping to make LeBron James blush. And then there was an ugly skirmish near midfield after the final whistle that mirrored some of the match’s chippy play.
The beautiful game this wasn’t.
But at least the halftime show was … meh.
All this being said, the U.S. should be pleased with tournament — and New Jersey certainly showed itself to be a worthy host of the final.
With that, 10 other observations:
10. Security: Gov. Mikie Sherrill talked of how extensive it was — worthy of an event with global political and business leaders, including President Trump — but it didn’t feel that way inside the gates. Or going through them. Attendees, from the U.S. and abroad, both remarked how easy it was to get through screenings.
9. That Messi moment: There wasn’t one. He may be the best ever — he may have pulled Argentina to its third final in the last four events — but he was as a non-factor on the pitch, just as … French star Mbappé was in the semifinal against Spain. Someone watching him for the first time did not come away in awe. Give Spain credit.
8. The weather: Just as it did years ago for the Super Bowl (when a blizzard came just after the game), New Jersey sidestepped those colossal storms on Saturday. It prevented some travelers from getting to the final, but the match-day conditions were pleasant (a little hot but not as humid as it had been so often during the event).
7. Argentina travels well: We’d call it a 75-25 crowd in favor of the Messis, but that doesn’t count the number of Colombia jerseys we saw — as we always do. No country shows up like Colombia.
6. The media travels well: It wasn’t just the endless amount of journalists — online and on TV (there must have been a dozen mini studio setups). It was remarkable how many one-person shops were producing content in and around the stadium.
5. Big events play here: You heard some complaints about the cost of NJ Transit but not the service. Kris Kolluri and his team got fans in and out like never before. And American Dream gave fans going to the game (or just of the sport) a worthy gathering place. Now, if we can just get that Convention Center built, New Jersey might — might — get another Super Bowl.
4. Small events play here: The decision to replace the big Fan Fest at Liberty State Park with numerous smaller (and more local) events was a brilliant move by the Sherrill administration. New Jerseyans celebrated the tournament throughout and certainly on Sunday.
3. Soccer plays here: The eight matches at MetLife featured six of the sport’s traditional soccer powers (France, England, Germany, Spain, Brazil and Argentina — really, everyone but Italy, who failed to qualify), but the way Sweden, Morocco, Senegal, Panama and, of course, Norway attracted supporters shows our melting pot makes us the ideal place for international competition.
2. Soccer will play here again: The governor, before the final match, joked that the event was like a wedding — you’re thrilled to plan it and hold it, but relieved when it’s finally over. International soccer is not going anywhere. The 2031 Women’s World Cup is coming to the U.S., and New Jersey certainly will be in contention for the final. But don’t expect the men’s event to take 32 years to return. This year’s event made so much money — and handled the increased field so easily — you can be sure it will be back.
1. Was Cape Verde the best team? It held Spain to a scoreless draw in its first match; it gave Argentina all it could handle in a 3-2 loss in its last match. Both matches were thrilling to watch — captivating, everyone would say. If only we could say the same thing about the final.
