Spain’s Dominance in the Final
Spain claimed their second men’s World Cup title, defeating Argentina in a hard-fought final that extended into extra time. The decisive goal came in the 106th minute from Ferran Torres, securing a victory that many observers described as a triumph for football due to Spain’s playing style.
Throughout the match, Spain maintained significant control, boasting 65% possession, an expected goals tally of 1.94, and 20 shots on goal, with 11 on target. Their defensive solidity was evident, as goalkeeper Unai Simon achieved his seventh clean sheet in eight matches, earning him the Golden Glove award for the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Spain conceded only one goal during the entire 2026 World Cup, marking the fewest conceded by any winning team.
The team’s performance highlighted their consistent form, extending their unbeaten run to 38 matches across all competitions, a record for any European team. Despite a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their opening match, Spain demonstrated their quality throughout the tournament, culminating in this final victory.
Key Player Performances and Argentina’s Challenges
Individual performances for Spain were notable, with Rodri completing 101 passes and Pau Cubarsi completing 121 passes in the final, making them two of only three players on record to achieve 100 or more passes in a World Cup final. Cubarsi, at 19 years old, was named young player of the tournament, while his teammate Lamine Yamal, at 19 years and six days, became the third-youngest player to play in and win a World Cup final.
Argentina, in contrast, struggled to generate offensive play. They did not register a shot in the first 90 minutes of the final, with their first attempt coming in the 117th minute from Lionel Messi. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made 11 saves, the most by any goalkeeper on record in a World Cup final, underscoring Spain’s attacking pressure. Argentina made 464 passes compared to Spain’s 852.
The match saw several contentious moments, particularly involving Argentina players. Enzo Fernandez received a yellow card for dissent and then a second for a late challenge on Cubarsi, leading to his dismissal. Following the final whistle, there were further incidents, including Leandro Paredes being involved in altercations with Spain players Rodri, Gavi, and Borja Iglesias, and Nahuel Molina reportedly throwing a punch at a passing Spain player. Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, acknowledged that the better team had won, expressing his emotions about the loss and his future.
Post-Match Reactions and Managerial Future
The aftermath of the final saw strong reactions to Argentina’s conduct. Former England captain Alan Shearer commented on Spain’s deserved victory, highlighting their control and attacking intent. Pundit Wayne Rooney described Argentina’s post-match behaviour as “embarrassing.” Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart also criticised the behaviour, calling it “disgusting.”
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s manager, was visibly emotional during his post-match news conference, shedding tears when discussing his future. His contract is set to expire in December, and he indicated a need to discuss his continuation with the president, stating, “I will talk to the president.” Scaloni had aimed to become only the second manager in history to retain the World Cup trophy after leading Argentina to victory in 2022. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the difficulty of rebuilding a team with the same spirit.
The final was held in New Jersey, concluding a tournament that featured various performances and a delayed kick-off. The game itself was marked by Spain’s relentless pursuit of a goal, eventually breaking through Argentina’s defence in extra time. Ferran Torres’s goal was the culmination of Spain’s sustained pressure, securing their second World Cup title.
Source: bbc.com