Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with Bradley Barcola #12 of France after scoring in what became a highly entertaining Third Place Game between France and England. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
FIFA via Getty Images
Are you still checking for updates on the 2026 FIFA World Cup only to find nothing new, leaving you feeling a bit empty? You might be experiencing what could be described as World Cup withdrawal.
Does hearing the Hanson song MMMBop make you yearn for the sight of Kylian Mbappé, the French football star? If so, you might be going through World Cup withdrawal.
Do you miss seeing Norwegian fans doing the “Viking Row,” Cape Verde fans with their Goat celebration, or Brazilian supporters in their iconic “Canarinho” jerseys? If you do, you might be experiencing World Cup withdrawal.
With 104 matches played across 39 days, it’s understandable to feel something is missing since the tournament wrapped up on July 19. Fans have grown accustomed to seeing team jerseys everywhere and eagerly tracking match results. The atmosphere now seems a bit less vibrant and festive. Furthermore, the realization that the next men’s FIFA World Cup won’t be until 2030, hosted mainly by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain with special opening matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, adds to the sense of longing.
A fan makes a bold statement during the Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium at the Seattle Field in Seattle. (Photo by DIRK WAEM / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images)
BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Before letting this withdrawal get to you, consider these five strategies to manage your World Cup nostalgia:
1. Watch Replays Of Matches
Thanks to video technology, you can watch any 2026 FIFA World Cup match repeatedly. Relive what many consider the tournament’s best match: the Round of 16 showdown between Mexico and England at Estadio Azteca. As mentioned in Forbes, England faced challenges such as Mexico City’s altitude, the local crowd, and a strong Mexican team. Ultimately, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and England emerged victorious over Julián Quiñones, Raúl Jiménez, and Mexico with a 3-2 scoreline.
Another unforgettable match was the Third-Place Game between England and France, ending 6-4 for England. The score resembled a tennis set more than a football match. England’s Three Lions surged to a 4-0 lead, but France, with a dramatic comeback, closed the gap to 4-3. The match ended as a thrilling roller coaster, with France narrowly missing out. Mbappé scored twice, securing the Golden Boot as the top scorer of the 2026 World Cup.
On the other hand, you might want to revisit what was arguably the tournament’s least exciting match—the Final between Spain and Argentina. This game was underwhelming, with Argentina earning more yellow cards (three) than shots on goal (zero) by the end of regulation time. It wasn’t until stoppage time that Spain scored decisively, securing a 1-0 victory over Argentina. The most intense part of the match might have been the post-game clash between the players.
5. Continue To Mix With People From Other Cultures And Countries
The FIFA World Cup offers an opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Consider the bonds formed when Lawrence, Kansas, welcomed Team Algeria, which selected the University of Kansas as its base camp for the 2026 World Cup:
This connection between Algerians and Kansans is likely to endure beyond the tournament.
Many admired the Japanese fans for their tradition of cleaning up stadiums after matches:
And Scottish fans certainly made an impression in Boston:
Why not keep this positive cultural exchange going? Consider traveling to different countries or engaging more with diverse communities, even within your own area. This can enrich your experiences, broaden your perspectives, and help you make new friends.
As demonstrated, there are numerous ways to cope with your World Cup withdrawal symptoms.
