And then there were two.
On Sunday, the mystery ends and the 2026 FIFA World Cup crowns its champion. Will we see a new king or a successful title defence?
Before the crowning moment arrives, four teams had to battle it out in the semi-finals, each fighting for one of the top two spots and a shot at claiming the throne in the finals.
On Tuesday, 14 July, the world witnessed the action of the first semi-final match with Spain commanding the field to secure their spot in the final with a definitive 2-0 victory over France, the 2018 World Cup champions.
The intensity carried over into the following day as defending champions Argentina broke the hearts of England fans again with a 2-1 victory.
With only the final remaining, Argentina and Spain are set to faceoff on Sunday, 19 July, at 2pm Cayman time.
Argentina enters the match chasing their fourth title following triumphs in 1978, 1986 and 2022, while Spain aims for their second world championship since their solitary win in 2010.
For the teams that lost in the semi-finals, a consolation prize is on the line as France and England prepare to contest the third-place match on Saturday, 18 July, at 4pm.
Local England fans face heartbreak
The outcome of Wednesday’s match had a notable impact in Cayman, where a large and passionate English supporting community resides.
Following the final whistle, local fans expressed widespread disappointment regarding England’s narrow defeat.
Local supporter Shaqunn Williams, who has supported England since 2006, questioned the referee’s leniency.
“It was a tightly contested game from the opening whistle, with both teams making it a physical battle. However, I was extremely disappointed by the referee’s leniency, particularly when it came to Argentina’s challenges,” he said.
“Enzo Fernández, who went on to score Argentina’s first goal, was fortunate not to receive even a yellow card, let alone the red card that many would argue he could have seen for his challenge on Elliot Anderson just three minutes into the first half.”
Williams added, “I understand that referees are often reluctant to produce an early red card in such a high-profile match, but the challenge was dangerous, making contact with the back of Anderson’s head.”
However, Williams acknowledged that England shared much of the blame for their loss.
“England have to take the majority of the responsibility for this defeat. After taking the lead, they retreated far too early instead of continuing to play on the front foot,” he said.
Williams said England’s coach Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions and tactical adjustments changed the momentum of the match, inviting sustained pressure and allowing Argentina to dominate possession.
“Wave after wave of attacks eventually became too much to withstand.”
Ashley Whittaker, another local England fan, said that despite the loss, she feels that England played very well and they had a great run.
“The referee could’ve definitely done more to ensure actual fair play. Our coach Tuchel decided to park the bus early rather than try for more goals, but maybe he felt that was the best call at the time and that’s ok,” Whittaker said.
“Tuchel did a great job guiding us to the semi-finals and I’m thankful for that. I won’t [attack] him for a bad call.”
Whittaker added that her loyalty remains exclusively with England, noting that she has little personal interest in who claims the trophy on Sunday now that her team is out of contention.
Finals’ prediction
Team captain of local football club Elite SC, Wesley “Marceló” Robinson, remains neutral for the final as his teams Mexico and Brazil succumbed to eliminations in the Round of 16.
“I don’t really have a preference for Sunday’s game, but I would like to see an entertaining final,” Robinson said.
“In my opinion I think this final will be won in midfield as I think both teams are very strong in their own right and have tools to win them the game. But at the end of the day, it’s tournament football and some players and teams rise to the occasion, so whoever rises to that pressure will win,” he said.
Though he remains “50/50” with his predictions, he said, “If I have to say, then I’m leaning towards it going to extra time and Spain winning 2-1.”
Restaurant owner reflects
XQ’s owner Alvaro Quintas said that the restaurant was exceptionally busy, split evenly between Argentinian fans in the lounge and English fans in the dining room during the semi-final match on 15 July.
Quintas described the environment as a “madhouse” when the teams were tied and even louder when Argentina secured the win, though he emphasised that the intense rivalry remained entirely respectful and friendly.
The upcoming final brings a unique internal rivalry to XQs, as co-owner Fede Quiroga is originally from Argentina, while Quintas hails from Spain.
Quintas expects a highly balanced and enthusiastic turnout on Sunday, predicting that he will successfully mobilise the Spanish contingent while Quiroga rallies the Argentinian fans, who he expects will bring the most noise.
To accommodate the expected influx of spectators looking to catch the global broadcast, XQ’s has confirmed that seating will be handled strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, with no advanced reservations being accepted for the final matchday.
Business booming across Cayman
Beyond the pitch, the tournament has generated significant momentum for the local hospitality sector.
Establishments across Grand Cayman have been operating at maximum capacity to accommodate football fans from dozens of nations.
Popular sports venues and community spots such as Fidel Murphy’s Public House, Lloyd’s Smokehouse & Grill, Legendz Bar and Grille, Salty’s Sports Bar, Sand Bar, The Brixton and Kelly’s Bar have experienced an exceptional surge in patrons.
Hospitality workers have noted that the timing of the matches has been ideal for drawing large crowds.
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