Spain Beat Argentina to Win 2026 FIFA World Cup; Yamal, Messi and Mbappe Set Historic Records

New York, Jul 20: Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a thrilling final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal to secure La Roja’s second World Cup title and their first since 2010. The victory also completed a remarkable UEFA Euro–FIFA World Cup double for Spain, making them only the third nation to achieve the feat after West Germany (1972-74) and Spain’s own golden generation (2008-10). Spain’s triumph was built on a dominant defensive campaign. Luis de la Fuente’s side conceded just one goal in eight matches, kept a tournament-record seven clean sheets and extended their unbeaten run to 38 matches. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal created history by becoming the first teenager to win both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. At 19, he also became the third-youngest player to appear in a World Cup final, behind Pele and Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi. Spain swept the tournament’s individual honours as Rodri became the country’s first FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner, Pau Cubarsi was named Best Young Player, and goalkeeper Unai Simon claimed the Golden Glove. For Argentina, the defeat ended a 13-match unbeaten World Cup run and marked another heartbreaking loss in a World Cup final. The defending champions failed to register a single shot on target, an unprecedented statistic in a World Cup final in the last six decades. Playing what is expected to be his final World Cup, Lionel Messi added more milestones to his legendary career, becoming the first footballer to start and captain three World Cup finals. At 39 years and 25 days, he also became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup final. The match also symbolised football’s changing era, with the 20-year age gap between Messi and Yamal becoming the widest ever between opposing starters in a World Cup final. Despite Argentina’s defeat, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made 11 saves—the highest by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final in more than 60 years. Meanwhile, France captain Kylian Mbappe became the first player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot twice, having also finished as the tournament’s top scorer at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Trump’s Podium Moment Goes Viral The post-match celebrations also drew attention after US President Donald Trump remained on the podium as Spain prepared to lift the World Cup trophy. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen guiding Trump away from the centre of the stage, allowing captain Rodri and his teammates to celebrate. The brief exchange, captured live on television, quickly went viral on social media and became one of the most talked-about moments of the final alongside Spain’s historic triumph.