Spain have been crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating Argentina in an enthralling final to lift their second men’s world title.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time before captain Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, capping a tournament in which Spain emerged as the standout team.
Spain dominate the final
Spain controlled much of the contest, finishing with 65 per cent possession, 20 shots and an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.94.
Former England captain Alan Shearer praised Spain’s performance, saying the best team deserved to win.
“There is no doubt that the right team won,” Shearer said on BBC One.
“From start to finish, Spain controlled possession. They were the ones looking to play football, create chances and get in behind.
“This is a result for football because of the way that they have played. Spain deserve it.”
Defensive strength proves decisive
Spain’s defence was one of the tournament’s biggest strengths.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon kept his seventh clean sheet in eight matches and won the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
The Spanish side conceded only one goal throughout the competition, the fewest by any World Cup-winning team.
Spain extend remarkable run
The victory adds another major title to Spain’s recent success after winning the European Championship and Olympic gold.
The men’s national team is now unbeaten in 38 consecutive matches across all competitions, the longest unbeaten run by a European nation.
Spain’s campaign began with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, becoming only the second Spanish team to win the World Cup after failing to win its opening match, following the 2010 champions.
Young stars shine
Several of Spain’s young players played key roles in the triumph.
Nineteen-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi completed 121 passes in the final, while Rodri finished with 101. Only three players in history have completed at least 100 passes in a World Cup final, with two of them achieving the feat in Sunday’s match.
Cubarsi was named the tournament’s Best Young Player.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal also continued his rapid rise. At 19 years and six days old, he became the third-youngest player to appear in a World Cup final and the third-youngest player to win the tournament.
With a talented young squad and several players yet to reach their peak, Spain’s latest World Cup triumph could mark the beginning of another dominant era in international football.
