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World Cup 2026: Messi, the Muppets and hydration breaks

As Spain are crowned world champions for a second time, we reflect on the tournament as a whole.

After six weeks, the FIFA 2026 men's World Cup, held across the United States, Canada and Mexico and featuring a record 48 teams is over. Spain are champions for a second time after beating Argentina 1-0 in extra-time in the final at the New York-New Jersey stadium.

More than the Score's Mike McCarthy is joined by the chief football writer at the i paper, Daniel Storey and by CBS Sport's Lisa Carlin to reflect on the match and the tournament as a whole.

Daniel discusses his mammoth road trip across the US covering the event and why watching the great Lionel Messi, perhaps for the last time at a World Cup, has been a privilege. He also explains why FIFA must address high ticket prices going forward.

Lisa explains why the tournament has been well received among Americans and why she enjoyed the controversial half-time show featuring Justin Bieber, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo and the Muppets.

More than the Score brings you more than the men’s football World Cup - the new teams, standout stars, trends and fandoms shaping the tournament in ways the stats don’t show. With 48 teams competing across Mexico, the US and Canada, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ World Service promises to take you deeper - from the group stages to the final. Search for More than the Score wherever you get your Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ podcasts.

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32 minutes

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