Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Ferran Torres came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 106th minute, giving La Roja their second World Cup title after their 2010 triumph.
Spain controlled possession for most of the match and finally broke Argentina’s resistance through Torres. Argentina finished with 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a red card late in extra time, allowing Spain to comfortably see out the victory.
The champions also dominated the individual awards. Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, Unai Simón claimed the Golden Glove, Pau Cubarsí received the Best Young Player award, and Spain took home the FIFA Fair Play Award.
France captain Kylian Mbappé finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals to win the Golden Boot.
England secured third place with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in Saturday’s bronze-medal match.
The Three Lions raced into a 4-0 lead through Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a Bukayo Saka brace before France fought back with goals from Mbappé, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé.
England regained control as Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot before Jude Bellingham added another goal to seal victory and hand England their first World Cup bronze medal since 1990. Mbappé’s brace confirmed him as the tournament’s leading scorer.
The expanded 48-team tournament delivered memorable matches, dramatic upsets and attacking football, with Spain emerging as deserving champions after an outstanding campaign.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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