Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a thrilling final on Sunday.
Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the second period of extra time to hand La Roja their second World Cup title, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest, but the South Americans’ task became more difficult in stoppage time of the second half when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
With Argentina reduced to 10 men, Spain dominated possession in extra time and finally found the breakthrough when Nico Williams brilliantly knocked the ball into Torres’ path, allowing the forward to fire home the winning goal.
Luis de la Fuente’s side capped an outstanding tournament with another disciplined defensive display, conceding just one goal in seven matches while combining defensive solidity with their trademark possession-based football.
There have only been three instances on record of a player completing 100 or more passes in a World Cup final. Two of those were Spain players on Sunday – Rodri with 101, and Pau Cubarsi with 121.
And for many of the squad, this might just be the start.
Cubarsi, 19, was named young player of the tournament, while it seems very likely his Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal has his best years ahead.
At 19 years and six days, Lamine Yamal became the third-youngest player to play in a World Cup final, after Pele in 1958 and Giuseppe Bergomi in 1982. He is now the third-youngest winner.
Individual awards
Also, the world football governing body, FIFA has announced the individual award winners for the 2026 World Cup following Spain’s dramatic 1-0 extra time victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA.
Although Lionel Messi suffered heartbreak as Argentina surrendered their crown, the veteran forward was still recognised for an outstanding tournament, claiming the adidas Silver Ball as the competition’s second best player.
Spain midfielder Rodri emerged as the biggest individual winner after receiving the adidas Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player, following a series of commanding performances that helped La Roja secure their second World Cup title.
Rodri was the heartbeat of Spain’s midfield throughout the tournament, playing a pivotal role in their unbeaten run to the trophy.
France captain Kylian Mbappe won the adidas Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with an astonishing 10 goals in eight matches, despite Les Bleus falling short in the semifinals.
Mbappe also received the adidas Bronze Ball, recognising him as the tournament’s third best player.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon claimed the adidas Golden Glove after keeping seven clean sheets in eight matches, including the 1-0 extra time victory over Argentina in the final.
The 29 year old produced several crucial saves throughout the tournament as Spain conceded just one goal en route to lifting the trophy.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi was named the FIFA Best Young Player, capping a remarkable breakthrough tournament.
The teenage centre back anchored Spain’s defence with maturity beyond his years, helping the European champions boast the tournament’s best defensive record.
Meanwhile, the FIFA Fair Play Trophy was awarded to the Netherlands in recognition of their exemplary disciplinary record and sportsmanship during the competition.
Full list FIFA World Cup 2026 Award Winners
Adidas Golden Ball (Best Player): Rodri (Spain)
Adidas Silver Ball: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Adidas Bronze Ball: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Adidas Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Kylian Mbappe (France) – 10 goals
Adidas Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Unai Simon (Spain)
FIFA Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Netherlands
World Cup prize money 2026
Champion: $50 million
Runner-up: $33 million
3rd place: $29 million
4th place: $27 million
5th-8th place: $19 million
9th-16th place: $15 million
17th- 32nd place: $11 million
33rd-48th place: $9 million
Full list of World Cup all-time leading scorers
Kylian Mbappe (France) – 22 goals in 22 matches
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 21 goals in 34 matches
Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals in 24 matches
Ronaldo (Brazil) – 15 goals in 19 matches
Gerd Müller (Germany) – 14 goals in 13 matches
Harry Kane (England) – 14 goals in 18 matches
Just Fontaine (France) – 13 goals in six matches
Pelé (Brazil) – 12 goals in 14 matches
Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) – 11 goals in 17 matches
Sandor Kocsis (Hungary) – 11 goals in five matches
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 11 goals in 27 matches.
World Cup winners list
2026: Spain
2022: Argentina
2018: France
2014: Germany
2010: Spain
2006: Italy
2002: Brazil
1998: France
1994: Brazil
1990: West Germany
1986: Argentina
1982: Italy
1978: Argentina
1974: West Germany
1970: Brazil
1966: England
1962: Brazil
1958: Brazil
1954: West Germany
1950: Uruguay
1938: Italy
1934: Italy
1930: Uruguay
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