The World Cup is done and dusted and consigned to the history books. It was not a vintage tournament with few stand-out games and an elongated format that made it even harder for the leading nations to go out early on.Here, we outline five things we wont miss about the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Table of ContentsGIANNI INFANTINOSLACK REFEREEINGSLEEPING ON THE SOFADONALD TRUMPPROTEST INCONSISTENCIESGIANNI INFANTINONo doubt the man himself will describe having 48-competing teams as a huge success but, the truth is, it wasnt. The group stage was low on jeopardy with the decision to rank teams level on points via the head-to-head method rather than goal difference another error.Infantino was a visible presence throughout the tournament, often spotted networking with politicians, film stars and former players.Questions remain about his suitability for the job but, unfortunately, there is no sign of him leaving his post. The expanded event merely strengthens his position more teams means more revenue, and more support from confederations outside Europe.The product may be worse but will someone think about the balance sheetSLACK REFEREEINGMost fans would rather the game be allowed to flow but FIFAs relaxed approach went too far. It led to a lack of control from certain teams, culminating in Argentinas thuggish approach to the final. Lionel Scalonis team played on the edge in the semis against England where a better referee would have clamped down on their tactics earlier, but it spilled over against Spain.It will be interesting to see how referees tackle games when the major European leagues restart next month.SLEEPING ON THE SOFAThere is no longer a need to stay up waiting for the 4am kick-off between Jordan and Algeria. Having a World Cup Stateside presents logistical problems that Europeans are not used to and it will be nice knowing that the big games that we are so accustomed to will be staged at more welcoming hours over the next 10 months.DONALD TRUMPTrumps intervention that pushed FIFA into suspending the red card dished out to USA striker Folarin Balogun was a disturbing development. FIFA usually frowns on political interference but, here, usual protocol was disregarded to enable Balogun to play against Belgium.It is worth noting that Balogun remained the only player to have any kind of card suspended during the whole tournament. FIFA has yet to explain its reasoning.PROTEST INCONSISTENCIESPalestinian flags were confiscated, as were those displaying the pre-revolutionary symbols of Iran. No politics? Fine. However, when Argentinas players displayed a banner claiming the Falkland Islands were theirs, Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House FIFA task force, said it was fine due to the protection of free speech.It was another mixed message to suit the US and its agenda. Topics Argentina National Football Team Brazil National Football Team England National Football Team France National Football Team Germany National Football Team Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Lionel Messi: Time to leave the international scene but remember the good times, not the shame of New Jersey Jon Fisher 20th July, 2026 Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni likely to leave in December following World Cup heartbreak Jon Fisher 20th July, 2026 We know how to lose Scaloni humble in defeat as Argentina fail to defend World Cup title Mitch Fretton 20th July, 2026 World Cup final 2026: Spain vs Argentina ratings as Lionel Messi struggles and Rodri wins Player of the Tournament Ben Miller 20th July, 2026 De la Fuente hails example Spain after World Cup win: I cant really tell you how I feel Mitch Fretton 20th July, 2026 Ferran Torres confesses Lionel Messi nervousness before World Cup final 2026: The goal belonged to 47 million Ben Miller 19th July, 2026
