​ARLINGTON — Not since the late 17th century has Texas yielded as much hallowed ground to France and Spain as it did Tuesday at JerryWorld, where the state’s former landlords ruled again, at least for a day. Les Bleus and La Roja looked right at home in front of 70,106, which, given the USMNT’s prospects going into the World Cup, was all the hosts could have realistically hoped.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOnly France could have asked for more, losing for the third time in three years to Spain, 2-0.And on Bastille Day, no less.Like getting stiffed at your birthday party.“We did not find the key,” the French manager, Didier Deschamps, said of the tournament’s No. 1 team, “to unlock this potential.”Les Bleus have time on their hands to consider where it all went wrong in a dud of a final act in the World Cup. Spain, which had given up just one goal going into the semis, once again had an answer for everything.The question now in the wake of North Texas’ World Cup experience:Who left the bigger impression on whom?AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe hosts or the visitors?The anecdotal evidence is occasionally compelling. Erling Haaland, who vaulted from soccer icon to international superstar during the tournament, went back to Norway with several pairs of boots, a “Y’all can kiss my Dallas” T-shirt and a stuffed raccoon from Wild Bill’s Western Wear, which, before you call, is reportedly all out of raccoons since it went viral. If you were wondering, we rubbed off on the World Cup, too. Other than ticket prices and a certain red-card reversal, the scourge of the tournament had been the three-minute hydration break in each half. Truly devout soccer fans regard any stoppage in play just short of heresy.But, with broadcast revenues flat across Europe, a few concessions may have to be made. The topic is under discussion, anyway. Especially after Fox reportedly made $250 million on ads during the breaks.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe creep of good ol’ American capitalism into the beautiful game has been undeniable. Ten years ago, the World Cup reportedly received less than 10% of its media rights revenues from the U.S. Now it’s closer to 25%. Expect that number to increase from here on out.As for the World Cup’s effect on the U.S., consider that the last time it was in North Texas, in ’94, the buzz was so loud, you might have expected the the soccer on this side of the pond to grow alongside your new family.Here it is, four adult children later, and I’m still waiting.Spain forward Lamine Yamal (19) tangles with France defender Théo Hernández during the second half of a World Cup semifinal soccer match on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Arlington. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)Oh, the U.S. started fast this World Cup, and it had its moments. But, since its ignominious exit at the feet of Belgium, a nation with the population of Ohio, critics have worked overtime on explanations. Some say