World Cup’s lighter moments linger after Spain’s title run

Spain ended the 2026 World Cup as champion, but some of the tournament’s most shared memories came away from the scorelines. Al Jazeera reported that the six-week event in Canada, Mexico and the United States also produced a run of family scenes, fan gestures and underdog milestones.

The tournament was not free of disputes. Al Jazeera cited visa problems, high ticket prices, contested refereeing decisions, weather delays, mandatory hydration breaks and calls from United States President Donald Trump among the issues that followed FIFA’s event.

A goalkeeper’s family reunion

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar Dias, became one of the tournament’s breakout figures after his saves helped keep Spain scoreless in the group stage, according to Al Jazeera. The 40-year-old had said his mother could not travel because of the cost of a bond payment tied to a United States visa.

After his story spread widely, Al Jazeera reported that US officials waived her travel fees and arranged for her to attend Cape Verde’s next match in Miami. Her presence gave one of the tournament’s early surprises a family ending.

Spain’s smallest celebrant

Spain forward Lamine Yamal finished the tournament with a World Cup winner’s medal after Spain beat Argentina in the final, according to Al Jazeera. His younger brother Keyne, 3, became a regular part of Spain’s celebrations.

Al Jazeera reported that Keyne appeared on stadium screens and ran to Yamal after matches, drawing attention from fans as Spain advanced. AFP photographed Yamal celebrating with Keyne after the final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.

Fans rally around a crying supporter

Uzbekistan’s 3-1 loss to Colombia left one young supporter in tears, Al Jazeera reported. After Colombia scored, the boy cried into a replica trophy before Colombian fans nearby began chanting “Uzbekistan” to console him.

The moment spread online and reached Uzbekistan’s team. Al Jazeera identified the boy as Isfandiyor Begmatov and reported that he was invited to a training session, where he met players and received a signed jersey and a wolf plushie.

A duck in a Mexico shirt

Merlin, a pet duck wearing a Mexico jersey, became an unofficial tournament mascot after appearing online, according to Al Jazeera. The duck later met Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who said Merlin’s family would receive assistance after owner Karla Gomez said she hoped to trademark Merlin to help with expenses.

The duck’s image also reached the stands in plush-toy form. Al Jazeera reported that after Mexico’s 3-2 loss to England in the round of 16, a Mexico fan gave a Merlin toy to a young England supporter.

Small nations, young fans and familiar songs

In Mexico, a schoolboy named Santi wore a green, red and white Christmas sweater when asked to represent El Tri for the host nation’s opener, Al Jazeera reported. The moment led to a customized jersey and a message from Mexico forward Santiago Gimenez.

England fans repeatedly serenaded Jude Bellingham with the Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” according to Al Jazeera. Bellingham scored seven goals, led England to third place against France and finished behind Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the scoring chart.

Curacao also marked a milestone despite a 7-1 defeat to Germany in its debut, Al Jazeera reported. Curacao became the smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup, Livano Comenencia scored its first goal at the tournament, and 78-year-old coach Dick Advocaat became the oldest World Cup manager; Reuters photographed him applauding fans after the match.

Advocaat was seen wiping away tears during Curacao’s anthem. “At my age, with my personality, the emotion easily comes to the surface. Seeing how far we’ve come, that’s something wonderful to experience,” he said, according to Al Jazeera.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.