By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a gripping final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, bringing the curtain down on a memorable 2026 tournament.
Having dominated possession and dictated the pace for much of the encounter, La Roja finally found the breakthrough in the 106th minute when substitute Ferran Torres swept home the decisive goal after a flowing Spanish move.
Argentina’s hopes of forcing a penalty shootout suffered a major blow when Enzo Fernández was sent off in extra time, reducing Lionel Scaloni’s side to ten men for the closing stages. Spain comfortably managed the remainder of the contest to reclaim the trophy they last won in South Africa in 2010.
The victory capped a remarkable campaign for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who also swept the major individual honours. Midfield general Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, while goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove after a series of commanding performances, including a clean sheet in the final.
Teenage defender Pau Cubarsí was named Best Young Player, and Spain also collected the FIFA Fair Play Award. France captain Kylian Mbappé finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals, becoming the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot on two occasions.
A day earlier, England secured the bronze medal after edging France 6-4 in a breathtaking third-place playoff that produced one of the highest-scoring matches in FIFA World Cup history.
The Three Lions raced into a stunning 4-0 lead through Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a first-half brace from Bukayo Saka, before France mounted an extraordinary comeback. Kylian Mbappé struck twice, while Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé also found the net to reduce the deficit and set up a dramatic finish.
However, England refused to surrender their advantage. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot before Jude Bellingham added a late goal to seal a memorable victory and secure England’s first World Cup bronze medal since 1990. Despite France’s defeat, Mbappé’s brace ensured he finished the tournament as the top scorer.
The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup delivered unforgettable moments, stunning upsets and attacking football, with Spain emerging as worthy champions after a campaign defined by composure, possession and consistency.
