How will the 2026 World Cup be remembered? Ranking the 9 top storylines

How the 2026 World Cup will be remembered is already being shaped by a mix of spectacle, records, and unpredictability highlighted in a review of potential “defining images” for the tournament. The article compares likely long-term talking points with past World Cups, from Lionel Messi’s 2022 title to Kylian Mbappé’s 2018 rise and Germany’s 7-1 rout of Brazil in 2014. It argues there is not yet a single iconic moment for 2026 because the tournament has been marked by a “strange final,” a “chalky” final four and a champion without a clear, defining superstar. It also notes the 2026 World Cup in America shattered viewership and attendance numbers, reflecting a broader rise of soccer’s profile, supported by an Economist survey showing about 10% of Americans name it their favorite sport.