By Obiako Chris Okechukwu on August 7, 2026

The recently-concluded FIFA World Cup Finals in USA, Canada and Mexico was remarkable in so many ways. 

Firstly, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final match on July 19, 2026, saw Spain defeat Argentina 1–0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium. It was remarkable because Argentina failed to register a single shot during regulation time (a first for a World Cup final).

Secondly, Spain became the first country to simultaneously hold the men's and women's World Cup titles.

The grueling match which stretched for 125 minutes was a one-sided affair as Spain completely dominated possession, limiting a prolific Argentina side (who scored 19 goals en route to the final) to zero attempts across the regular 90 minutes. It wasn't without a late drama after Argentina went down to 10 men due to Enzo Fernández's red card in stoppage time.

However, the deadlock was finally broken in extra time when Ferran Torres scored from a Nico Williams header.  

Another remarkable aspect was that Spain conceded only a single goal during the entire tournament, setting a new defensive benchmark for champions.

Significantly, the Mundial witnessed the first Super Bowl-style halftime. The 2026 final featured a major first for the sport: an extended, entertainment-heavy halftime show curated by Chris Martin and Global Citizen.

The tournament also saw a 48-team expansion. The event broke attendance and revenue records across the US, Canada, and Mexico, introducing inspiring deep runs from underdog debutants like Cape Verde and DR Congo.

Not withstanding the controversies surrounding the hydration breaks, Folarin Balogun's over-turned red card, ticket pricing, sales and logistics, the expanded 48 team format changed the group dynamics.

When the curtains came down finally on July 19, 2026, Spain were crowned world champions for a second time, Kylian Mbappé won another Golden Boot, Canada, Curaçao, DR Congo, and Cape Verde all recorded their first-ever points at the World Cup, with three of them even making the knockout round, FIFA smiled to the bank, emerging as the $9 billion winner as the biggest, brashest World Cup ever drew to a close.

An over-joyed Gianni Infantino lauded the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the most lucrative sporting event in the world. The FIFA boss was ecstatic over what he termed the “incredible success story” as the event reached historic climax.

Apart from being the most lucrative business-wise, the 2026 Mundial was the most outstanding, most breath-taking and most innovative. Most importantly, it was laden with lessons unprecedented. 

VERY POIGNANT NIGERIA LESSON: IBRAHIM GUSAU MUST GO

For the first time in so many years, at least, 5 (country's) FA presidents resigned before and during the historic championship.

At least, 8 coaches resigned, or were sacked, along the line.

Realistically, these casualties (presidents and coaches) paid the prize for their ineptitude and incompetence.

Why Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau, is adamant to tow the line of these gentlemen drawn from across the world (after failing to give soccer-crazy Nigerians the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket) has not stopped bothering Nigeria's football stakeholders.

Before we proceed, let's take a look at what Gusau and his fellow pretenders at the Glass House denied Nigeria football by failing to hoist our flag in USA, Canada and Mexico.

For reaching the quarter-finals, Morocco earned 31.5 million US dollars, which is approximately 42.917 billion naira.

For reaching the Round of 16, Egypt were paid 17.5 million US dollars, amounting to 23,843,050,000 (over 23 billion naira).

For getting to the Round of 32, Algeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, South Africa, Senegal and DR Congo each earned 13.5 million US dollars amounting to over 18 billion naira.

They were knocked out in the first round, but that didn't stop Tunisia from getting paid 12.5 million US dollars, the equivalent of over 17 billion naira.

Have you imagined the impact the sum of 17 or 42 billion naira will make on the fortunes of Nigeria's dwindling football?

Have you envisaged how many stadia such a whooping amount can build; how many training grounds such an amount can construct; how many coaches it can offer refresher coaches; how many CAF Grade A or B training workshops it can provide; how many international friendly matches it can take care of? I can go on and on and on.

It will interest Nigerians to note that since 1945, when the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) was established (before it later metamorphosed into Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), we have had 40 chairmen and presidents.

As another election scheduled for September 27, draws near, it's vital that Nigerians understand that if by hook or crook, Gusau and his cohorts return to office for another four-year tenure, the Super Eagles' chance of qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup Finals is not guaranteed.

It's not wishful thinking. It's not an exaggeration. 

It's the reality.

NEXT WEEK: WHY GUSAU AND THE PRESENT NFF MUST GO (PART 2)

Source DailySports Nigeria

Posted August 7, 2026

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