Tobin Heath says goals and young stars defined the 2026 World Cup
The former United States forward told Al Jazeera Sport the expanded tournament rewarded pressing, width and contrasting styles.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Tobin Heath said the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s high scoring reflected the sport’s development, with teams pressing higher, attacking through wide areas and using full-backs more aggressively. In an interview with Al Jazeera Sport, the former United States forward said the expanded field helped create a tournament that gave fans varied styles and frequent goals.
Al Jazeera reported that the tournament had produced 307 goals through 103 matches, close to three per game, before the Spain-Argentina final. Heath, who is serving on FIFA’s Technical Study Group, said the number of goals came from several factors, led by where teams regained possession and how quickly they attacked after doing so.
Heath, 38, won the Women’s World Cup with the United States in 2015 and 2019 and Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012, according to Al Jazeera. The outlet reported that she retired in 2025 after injuries ended a career that included 181 international appearances and 36 goals.
African teams drew praise
Heath told Al Jazeera that African teams were among the most memorable parts of the tournament. She singled out Cape Verde, pointing to their matches against Spain and Argentina, the two finalists, and said their willingness to play with courage against elite opponents stood out.
She also praised Egypt’s performance against Argentina, saying the match could have turned either way, and named Ivory Coast as a side she enjoyed for its style and individual talent. Heath said African teams presented different tactical problems and added that she hoped to see similar progress at the Women’s World Cup next year.
France, Spain and the stars
Heath said France impressed her because of the creativity in their play and the ability of individual players to produce new solutions during matches. She also told Al Jazeera that established stars including Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland delivered some of their best football at the tournament.
Among younger players, Heath named Spain defender Pau Cubarsi as the standout. She said his minutes and effectiveness in Spain’s defence showed how well the country connects its playing ideas across generations.
Heath also said she hoped Lamine Yamal would have a major moment in the final, after anticipation around the Spain winger throughout the tournament. At the other end of the age scale, she praised Messi’s level for Argentina and said his performances could put him in contention for player of the tournament.
Questions over the US legacy
Heath told Al Jazeera the World Cup drew attention in the United States and showed off stadiums and regions across the country. She said the event captured viewers, though she questioned whether it would leave a lasting effect on men’s football in the US.
She pointed to Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun as US players who had good tournaments, while saying the team had not produced the kind of stardom that could drive wider popularity. Heath said the clearest sign of success would come if boys and girls later cite the tournament as an inspiration.
On the broader competition, Heath said the gap remained large between teams capable of troubling major powers and teams capable of winning the World Cup. She told Al Jazeera that Spain and Argentina reaching the final showed how hard it remains to break into the group of nations with a record of international success.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.