The BBC's football team have marked the end of the 2026 World Cup with their own set of awards, celebrating the standout moments from a tournament spanning 104 matches over almost six weeks across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Chief football writer Phil McNulty selected his goal and save of the tournament, while other reporters offered reflections on the best players and fans, with readers also invited to vote for their own favourites.

Among McNulty's goal picks were Lionel Messi's technical finish for Argentina against Cape Verde, Julian Alvarez's extra-time strike against Switzerland, and Erling Haaland's powerful effort for Norway against Brazil. Standout saves included Jordan Pickford's crucial stop in England's win over Mexico and Orjan Nyland's remarkable reaction save for Norway. Spain captain Rodri was named the tournament's best player, winning the official Golden Ball, with Messi taking the Silver Ball and Kylian Mbappe the Bronze.