As the curtain came down on the historic FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday, FIFA paid tribute to the journalists who chronicled the tournament, including Sports Village Square Publisher Kunle Solaja, whose coverage marked a personal milestone—his 10th consecutive FIFA World Cup.

In a farewell message sent by FIFA Media Operations & Services to accredited journalists as they prepared to leave the United States, Canada and Mexico, the world football governing body thanked media professionals for their commitment and professionalism throughout the competition.

Addressing Solaja directly, FIFA wrote:

“Dear Kunle,

“As we bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 to a close, we would like to thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and the role you played in covering the tournament.”

The message acknowledged the invaluable contribution of journalists in documenting what has been widely described as the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams and jointly hosted by three nations for the first time.

FIFA added:

“Your work has helped capture the unforgettable moments, remarkable stories and unique atmosphere of this historic FIFA World Cup, bringing the competition to millions of fans across the globe.”

For Solaja, the message marked the fitting conclusion to another remarkable chapter in a World Cup reporting journey that began at Italia ’90. Over a span of 36 years, he has covered every FIFA World Cup final—from Italy 1990 through the United States 1994, France 1998, Korea/Japan 2002, Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and now the United States, Canada and Mexico 2026.

The 2026 tournament therefore extended his unique record to 10 consecutive FIFA World Cup finals, a feat achieved by only a select group of journalists worldwide.

Throughout the tournament, Sports Village Square provided comprehensive daily coverage, including match reports, exclusive interviews, historical features, statistical analyses, travelogues and Bet9ja-sponsored Fact File reports that offered readers rich insights into the competition.

FIFA concluded its message with warm wishes as journalists dispersed from the three host nations.

“As you prepare to depart, we wish you safe travel and all the very best until we meet again.”

The farewell note brought the curtain down on what has been another memorable World Cup assignment for Solaja and Sports Village Square, reaffirming the enduring relationship between FIFA and the global media professionals who preserve the history of the world’s greatest football spectacle, one tournament after another.

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By Kunle Solaja, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was among the galaxy of celebrities who graced the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, making his allegiance clear by turning up in Argentina’s famous sky-blue and white jersey.

The boxing icon, whose presence drew attention throughout the stadium’s hospitality section, appeared to be firmly behind Lionel Messi and the defending champions as they sought to retain the World Cup title.

Tyson was later spotted leaving the West Hospitality Suite after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina. Flanked by a team of bodyguards, the former undisputed heavyweight champion moved swiftly through the stadium corridors, with security ensuring that admirers were kept at a distance.

Fans hoping for an autograph or a handshake were politely held back as Tyson made his way towards the exit.

Yet, in a touching moment that contrasted with the tight security surrounding him, the 60-year-old boxing legend suddenly paused after noticing a young boy among the crowd.

Tyson beckoned the excited youngster over, exchanged a few words with him and happily posed for a selfie, leaving the child with what will undoubtedly become one of the most treasured memories of the World Cup final.

The brief but heartwarming gesture drew smiles from onlookers, offering a glimpse of the softer side of one of boxing’s most feared champions.

Although Argentina fell short against Spain, Tyson’s choice of attire left little doubt about where his loyalties lay on one of football’s biggest occasions.

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By Kunle Solaja, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

“Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” may be one of the country’s most celebrated songs, but on Sunday night outside MetLife Stadium, its famous refrain seemed impossible to obey.

As Spain celebrated a historic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, one middle-aged Argentine supporter embodied the heartbreak of millions back home.

The devastated fan, accompanied by a friend, walked slowly away from the stadium, unable to hold back his tears. He sobbed continuously as thousands of jubilant Spanish supporters celebrated around him and fellow Argentines filed quietly towards the exits.

His companion did everything possible to shield him from public attention, repeatedly stepping in front of photographers eager to capture the raw emotion of the moment. But the grief was impossible to hide.

For Argentina, the defeat meant more than losing a football match. It denied the Albiceleste the chance to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title, ending a dream that had inspired their supporters throughout the tournament.

Fighting back tears, the fan paused only briefly to speak.

He lamented the enormous personal sacrifice he had made to witness what he had hoped would be another historic Argentine triumph.

He spoke of the money he had spent to make the journey and the eight-hour trip he undertook to reach New York for football’s greatest occasion, only to leave with memories of heartbreak instead of celebration.

His words were few, frequently interrupted by emotion.

Around him, the contrast could not have been sharper. Spanish fans sang, danced and waved their national flags, while many Argentine supporters walked away in reflective silence, still struggling to come to terms with the end of their country’s reign as world champions.

Football has long been described as a game of joy and sorrow, and nowhere was that more evident than outside MetLife Stadium. While Spain celebrated the dawn of a new era, one grieving supporter became the human face of Argentina’s shattered dream.

His tears told a story that statistics never could—a story of hope, sacrifice, unwavering belief and the cruel reality that only one team can leave the World Cup carrying the trophy.

As he disappeared into the New Jersey night, still comforted by his companion, the echoes of celebration from inside the stadium served as a painful reminder of how close Argentina had come to football immortality.

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