And just like that, the 2026 World Cup is over. After 308 goals were scored during 104 matches in 16 host cities across three continents, it was Spain that lifted the trophy.

(CNN) — Note: This story first appeared in The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports, our daily newsletter on all things World Cup. To subscribe, click here. We’ll have more on the above later in today’s newsletter, but we’ll start with the big one, the USA ...

(CNN) — Note: This story first appeared in The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports, our daily newsletter on all things World Cup. To subscribe, click here. And … breathe. More than three weeks of multiple World Cup group matches daily has come to an end.

Before this World Cup began, disaster seemed certain. Somehow, despite everything, it was an absolute joy.

(CNN) — Note: This story first appeared in The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports, our daily newsletter on all things World Cup. To subscribe, click here. The soccer world wakes up to a burning question this morning, one that hasn’t been asked in a very long ...

Washington, DC (CNN) — A 26-year-old Texas man trying to capture video footage of a church in Houston is facing charges for illegally operating a drone too close to a World Cup event as authorities across the country crack down on unauthorized flights.

The last Friday of a World Cup is always a bit strange. It sort of feels like a down day, cut adrift from all the action, color and drama of the tournament.