Years From Now, What Will You Remember From The 2026 World Cup?

NEW YORK — Allow me to imagine a scenario for a moment. Indulge me with this fantasy. Months from now. Perhaps years. When the World Cup is long gone. I will be having coffee at my favorite spot in downtown Manhattan, a Puerto Rican establishment right by the historic Stone Street, paved in the late 1700s and one of the oldest streets of the city. 

Ill sit down with Erling Haaland, Vozhinha, Jude Bellingham and Rodri and drink Mazapán lattes (look it up). Bad Bunnys “Nuevayol” plays in the background, and so we listen. Sit. And then reminisce about the summer of 2026 and the World Cup that was. 

“Fellas,” Ill say. “Let me ask all of you something.” 

And they will look up, put down the morning’s brew and listen to the following.

Do you remember Gio Reynas trivela against Paraguay? How it beautifully swerved from the outside of his foot, thus electrifying the entirety of America 

Did Folarin Baloguns story make you feel proud, not just as a fan of the game, but of what the game represents? Is John Denvers “Take Me Home, Country Roads” the anthem or should it be Alive, from my hero Eddie Vedder and my all-time favorite band, Pearl Jam?

Was Raúl Jiménezs first World Cup goal months after the death of his father a piece of poetry that made you sink to the ground with emotion? Did Julián Quiñoness story — a Colombian-born player turned into one of Mexico’s brightest stars – become a blueprint for the fact that identity is more than just a birth certificate? 

Or Canadas Stephen Eustáquio, also dealing with the heartache of losing both parents (something I sadly know too well), did his winner against South Africa in the Round of 32 shake you to your very core? 

Or how about Moroccos Ayyoub Bouaddi, at 18 years old, how is it possible that he created that level of midfield magic against the Brazilians? Or anyone? Did you feel slightly Congolese when Yoanne Wissa scored the nations first ever World Cup goal in that draw against Portugal? 

Did you hear the Azteca from wherever you were in the continent? Did you feel the intensity of its people as the anthem and “Cielito Lindo” played through millions of Mexican voices? How good is 17-year-old Gilberto Mora No, really. Arent you inspired by his journey and what may come? Could he maybe join you in Madrid one day, Jude?

Also, Jude? How did it feel to sing Wonderwall in the altitudes of Mexico City or listen to your country serenade you with a song so iconic such as “Hey Jude,” that it now has two meanings because of your name, do you realize how much youre loved? Did Englands incredible victory against El Tri become the ultimate display of sacrifice, will and guts?

Speaking of love, is there a better word than can describe the Tartan Armys relationship with their Scottish team? Or Boston? Or Miami? Or anywhere in America

Why cant I go to sleep without thinking about Amad Diallos historic goal for his Ivory Coast or Julián Álvarezs majestic winner against Switzerland? Why do I not care if Norways Andreas Schjelderup meant it or not? Or if I cant stop analyzing the illustrious creativity of the genius Michael Olise? 

Is there a better highlight to show young players than Cucho Hernandezs relentless fight to win the ball from Uzbekistan’s Jakhongir Urozov near the corner flag, recovering it and then placing a pinpoint assist for Jaminton Campaz? 

Is there a better show of strength and will than the Netherlands Brian Brobbey? Can we keep playing on loop the persistence and dynamic ability of the Swiss Johan Manzambi? 

Do I need to reflect more on Lionel Messis emotions after the final, or can I just remember everything else before? Can I save his magic, including Argentinas first goal of the World Cup, which was against Algeria And by the end, it became a h