Sports SummaryBrief at 10:19 a.m. EDT

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina closed out what organizers billed as the biggest tournament in history, with a record 104 matches played over six weeks across three countries. The expanded 48-team format produced notable storylines, including Cape Verde, Congo and Curaçao. Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, while video reviews and high-tech balls contributed to controversial decisions, including disallowed goals. Fans filled stadiums despite high ticket prices, but hydration breaks drew criticism, and Iran’s participation was described as politically charged. In parallel, Spain’s champions were set to return to Madrid on Monday afternoon for a royal reception and a parade from Moncloa Palace to Cibeles Square after beating Argentina 1-0 in New Jersey.