The 2026 FIFA World Cup ended on July 19, after an exciting 104 matches played over 39 days. Fans around the world are now experiencing what’s being called "World Cup withdrawal," missing the vibrant atmosphere, team jerseys, and thrilling matches featuring football stars like France’s Kylian Mbappé, who emerged as the tournament’s top scorer. With the next men's World Cup scheduled for 2030, hosted mainly by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with three special opening games in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, the wait may feel long for many supporters.

To help cope with the post-tournament blues, Forbes highlights four main strategies. First, fans can re-watch key matches from this year’s World Cup, including England’s thrilling 3-2 Round of 16 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca and the high-scoring third-place game where England bested France 6-4. For those seeking a different experience, revisiting the less exciting final where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 offers a different perspective on the tournament’s conclusion.

Second, football enthusiasts can immerse themselves in soccer video games that let them control their favorite players, from Mohamed Salah to Erling Haaland, creating new scenarios and alternate World Cup outcomes in a virtual setting. Third, there’s always the option to get active and play soccer in real life by joining local leagues or pick-up games, which not only helps maintain fitness but also keeps the passion for the sport alive beyond the tournament’s end.

Finally, fans are encouraged to follow professional soccer leagues globally while waiting for the next World Cup. The article points to the "Big Five" European leagues—England’s Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A, Germany’s Bundesliga, and France’s Ligue 1—as top destinations for world-class football outside of international competition. Additionally, South American leagues like Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Argentina’s Primera División, Asian leagues such as Japan’s J1 League, and the U.S.’s Major League Soccer offer year-round excitement. The women’s side has a growing presence through leagues like the National Women’s Soccer League in the U.S., the Women’s Super League in England, and the upcoming 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, providing plenty of football action to look forward to.