2026 World Cup final in the United States: Spain win

The Spanish national team won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Argentina in the final match with a minimum score. This title was the second in the history of the Spanish national team and confirmed the team's status as the strongest on the planet after winning Euro 2024. The decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time was scored by striker Ferran Torres.

Course of the final match

The game at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey was dominated by the Spaniards, although the main time ended without scoring goals. The Argentina national team did not make a single shot on the opponent's goal throughout the entire 90 minutes, which became a historical anti-record for the finals of the World Cup. The situation of the reigning champions became more complicated at the end of the second half, when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card and was sent off the field.

The denouement came in the second extra half, when, after a pass from Nico Williams, Ferran Torres sent the ball into the net of Emiliano Martinez. Up to this point, the Argentine goalkeeper has made 11 saves, keeping his team in the game. Despite the efforts of Lionel Messi, who in overtime made the first shot of his team on target, Argentina could not win back.

Historical records and statistics

For the captain of the Argentines Lionel Messi, this final was the third in his career, which allowed him to repeat the achievement of the Brazilian Cafu. At the age of 39, Messi also became the oldest outfield player in the history of the final matches of the World Cup. On the other hand, Spanish footballers Lamin Yamal and Pau Cubarsi at the age of 19 were included in the list of the youngest participants and winners of the decisive game of the tournament.

The head coach of the Spanish national team, Luis de la Fuente, at the age of 65, became the oldest specialist who led his team to gold medals at the World Cup. Under his leadership, the team set an absolute world record for the longest unbeaten streak, which now has 38 matches. The Spaniards also became the first champions in history to concede only one goal in the entire tournament.

Individual awards and organization

The best player of the World Cup was recognized as the midfielder of the Spanish national team Rodri, who received the Golden Ball. The Golden Glove prize as the best goalkeeper went to Unai Simon, who saved 14 of 15 shots on target for the entire tournament. The award for the best young player was received by defender Pau Kubarsi. The top scorer of the tournament for the second time in a row was Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, who won the Golden Boot.

For the first time in the history of the World Cups, a large-scale musical show was organized during the break of the final match. Performances from Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira led to the fact that the break dragged on for 27 minutes instead of the standard 15. In the stands, the game was watched by 80.6 thousand spectators, including the President of the United States and other high-ranking guests.

Victory Celebration

After the triumph in the United States, the Spanish national team will return to Madrid for official celebrations. On Monday, players will be welcomed at the Royal Palace of Zarzuela and at the seat of the Moncloa government. After the official receptions, an open-air bus parade is planned, which will pass through the city center and end with a mass celebration in Cibeles Square.

Betting companies have already started accepting bets on the next 2030 World Cup, the final of which is to be held in Madrid. The Spanish national team is considered the main favorite of the future tournament.