FIFA World Cup: Novelty, controversy and farewell

New York: This was a World Cup that looked different from the outset. FIFA had already committed to an expanded 48-team format before it even chose a host, and when the joint bid from Canada, Mexico and the United States won that vote in 2018, the 2026 World Cup became the first to be staged in three countries.

The larger tournament showcased a wide array of footballing philosophies and cultures. Europe itself split into two visibly different schools. France leaned heavily on its phalanx of attackers led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise.

In contrast, Spain built its game plan on patience and containment. Its defense broke the World Cup record for consecutive clean sheets, reaching six in a row — a run that began in the 2022 World Cup -- and goalkeeper Unai Simon's shutout streak extended to 609 minutes following the round of 16 win over Portugal, as per Xinhua.

Morocco headed Africa's hopes with its own model that combined positional awareness with speed and audacity, quicker to close down opponents than the deeper defensive block that characterized its run to the semifinals in 2022.

South American sides, meanwhile, showed moments of brilliance, even if several former winners from the region - namely Brazil and Uruguay - fell short of expectations.

The tournament served as a fertile testing ground for emerging players. A case in point was Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old, who plays for French Ligue 1 club Lille, represented France at youth level and only became available for the Atlas Lions in May when FIFA approved his allegiance switch.

He showed poise beyond his years with performances that have sparked the interest of Manchester City and Arsenal, among other clubs.

Cote d'Ivoire's Yan Diomande, 19, entered the tournament with big hopes and justified the hype as the African side reached the knockout rounds before falling to Norway via a late Erling Haaland goal.

Colombia's Gustavo Puerta was one of the quieter achievers. The Racing Santander midfielder's creativity and vast passing range proved crucial as Colombia progressed to the round of 16 before losing to Switzerland on penalties.

These arrivals were accompanied by some high-profile departures, with modern-day greats Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Neymar all bidding farewell to football's biggest stage.

One of FIFA's newest laws made headlines in the group stage. Paraguay's Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off under a rule barring players from concealing their mouths during on-field confrontations.

The incident involving Türkiye defender Mert Muldur also earned the Atlanta United winger a one-match suspension that FIFA said was not subject to appeal, ruling him out of Paraguay's final group match against Australia.

Spain achieved something even more transcendent. It denied Messi one last glorious chapter in an astonishing career and claimed the tournament's lasting story for itself.