2026 WORLD Cup: As Argentina won France on penalties, Canada, Mexico, United States clinge hosting rights

Argentina won their third World Cup in an extraordinary final on Sunday as they beat France 4-2 on penalties after Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-3 draw and Kylian Mbappe grabbed a hat-trick to bring the holders back from 2-0 and 3-2 down.

It was an incredible night of drama, high emotion, and fluctuating fortunes, delivering one of the all-time great finals to cap a wonderful tournament as its two-star players delivered command performances on the biggest stage of all.

Argentina had looked to be cruising to a one-sided victory after Messi’s penalty and a brilliant goal by Angel Di Maria in the first half put them in total control but Mbappe converted an 80th-minute penalty and volleyed in a sublime equaliser a minute later to take the game to extra time.

And following the completion of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the president of the world soccer ruling body, Gianni Infantino, has handed over hosting rights ball to the three host countries.

For the first time, three countries will host the World Cup in 2026 and they are Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

And also 48 teams will participate in the tournament with Africa having 9 slots.