22 July 2026
Guardian Writers Pick Their Best World Cup 2026 Moments
The Guardian's team of reporters share the tournament highlights that stuck with them most, from a generational handover at goal to a thunderstorm classic at the Azteca.
The 2026 World Cup may be over, but the moments linger. According to The Guardian, one of the tournament's most poignant early scenes came when Australia's Nestory Irankunda revived Tim Cahill's famous goal celebration in a symbolic handover from one generation to the next.
For sheer occasion, the Guardian team points to England's 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca as a night that was hard to surpass. A thunderstorm delayed kick-off, Jude Bellingham shone, and the whole thing left everyone present exhausted by the end, even if England's story did not finish well.
Bosnian teenager Kerim Alajbegovic also earned his place in the writers' memories, with an off-balance strike from outside the box against Qatar drawing particular praise. At just 18, he arrived with a buzz and left with his reputation very much intact.
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