The World Cup Is Over. These Are the Moments Everyone Will Remember

Spain came into the tournament as one of the favourites, but very few expected them to finish the job the way they did.

From the group stage to the final, they looked organised, confident and almost impossible to break down. 

Spain's victory over France was one of the tournament's biggest talking points, but the conversation didn't stop there. Social media quickly filled up with jokes that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal had now beaten both "father" (Cristiano Ronaldo) and "son" (Kylian Mbappé), adding another chapter to one of the internet's favourite football memes.

By the time they met Argentina in the final, many expected a close contest.

Instead, Spain controlled the game and walked away deserved champions.

Sixteen years after lifting the trophy in South Africa, they're back on top of world football.

For a country already known for producing some of football's greatest talents, this victory feels like the beginning of another golden generation.

One old photo completely took over the internet.

Years ago, Lionel Messi took part in a UNICEF charity calendar where he was photographed bathing a baby.

That baby was Lamine Yamal.

Nobody paid much attention to the picture until this World Cup.

Fast forward years later and the same baby had become Spain's biggest star, lining up against Messi in a World Cup final.

You honestly couldn't script that if you tried.

The internet did what it does best.

Memes flooded every platform. Some joked that football had come full circle. Others called it the perfect passing of the torch.

Whether you support Spain or Argentina, it was one of those moments that reminded everyone why football stories hit differently.

At 39, many expected Lionel Messi to spend the tournament watching younger players take over.

He had other plans.

Messi dragged Argentina all the way to another World Cup final and reminded everyone why he's still one of football's biggest names.

He didn't play like someone trying to keep up.

He played like someone who still expected to win.

Even in defeat, he left with the Silver Ball and Silver Boot, proving that age still hasn't slowed him down.

By the end of the tournament, even rival fans had to admit one thing.

The man is still ridiculous.

While Spain celebrated the biggest prize, several players left the tournament with personal honours.

Kylian Mbappé finished as the tournament's top scorer, taking home the Golden Boot after another clinical World Cup campaign.

Spain's midfield general Rodri was named Golden Ball winner after controlling games from start to finish and becoming the heartbeat of the champions.

Spain's Unai Simón claimed the Golden Glove, while teenage defender Pau Cubarsí walked away with the Best Young Player award.

The trophies may belong to Spain.

But individual brilliance came from every corner of the tournament.

Every World Cup comes with one question.

Can an African team finally go all the way?

This year wasn't the answer.

Morocco once again showed why they're one of Africa's strongest football nations, while Cape Verde earned plenty of respect with fearless performances against bigger opponents.

But as the tournament reached its closing stages, every African flag had disappeared from the bracket.

That familiar conversation quickly returned.

The talent is there.

The passion is there.

So what's still missing?

Until an African country finally lifts the trophy, that debate isn't going anywhere.

It's about the stories that stay with us long after the final whistle.