FIFA's global showpiece was held under a cloud of controversies that cropped up throughout the tournament: visa issues, outrageous ticket prices, contested calls from referees, phone calls from United States President Donald Trump.

Then there were the slightly less problematic hiccups in the form of mandatory hydration breaks, inclement weather delaying matches and insufferable fans.

At the end of it all, the wholesome moments of the six-week tournament in Canada, Mexico and the US are the ones we want to remember. Al Jazeera has rounded them up.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (Josimar Dias), 40, became the oldest debutant at a World Cup, making a string of saves against Spain. His mother was flown to the US to watch him after visa fees were waived.

Three-year-old Keyne, brother of teen sensation Lamine Yamal, became the real star with his celebrations for Spain on the big screen. The 19-year-old Yamal showed his love for Keyne, valuing family over the trophy.

After Uzbekistan's 3-1 loss to Colombia, young fan Isfandiyor Begmatov sobbed into a replica trophy. Colombian fans chanted "Uzbekistan!" to cheer him up, and the team later invited him to training, gifting him a signed jersey.

Merlin the pet duck, waddling in a Mexico jersey, became the unofficial mascot, meeting President Claudia Sheinbaum. Owner Karla Gomez was promised assistance.

Santi improvised a Mexico jersey with a Christmas sweater and went viral, earning a message from forward Santiago Gimenez.

Jude Bellingham became England's top scorer (7 goals) and finished third. Curacao, despite a 7-1 loss to Germany, became the smallest nation to debut, with Livano Comenencia scoring their first goal.

Manager Dick Advocaat, 78, the oldest in World Cup history, wiped away tears during the national anthem.

Source: www.aljazeera.com