Spain Wins FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Against Argentina

New York. Spain became world champions for the second time, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

The exciting competition, which remained goalless for the stipulated 90 minutes, was decided in extra time by a goal scored by Ferran Torres.

Throughout the match, Spain maintained clear dominance in ball control, attack, and tactical discipline, while Argentina struggled to show an impressive performance.

Spain's substitute players Nico Williams and Ferran Torres proved decisive, while Enzo Fernandez's red card for Argentina changed the direction of the game. How was the individual performance of the players from both teams?

Spain

Starting XI

• Unai Simon – 7/10

In the beginning of the match, there was a risk of a big mistake when he went out of the penalty area. But after that, he made an excellent comeback and made a significant contribution to Spain winning their first World Cup title since 2010.

• Marc Cucurella – 7/10

He repeatedly advanced in attack. In the first half, one of his shots went slightly wide.

• Aymeric Laporte – 7/10

As throughout the entire tournament, he was a rock in defense. His role was important when Spain kept their seventh clean sheet in eight games.

• Pau Cubarsi – 8/10

He appeared calm and confident in defense as always. He became the second player to complete over 100 passes in a World Cup final since 1966.

• Pedro Porro – 7/10

He continued his excellent performance from the semi-final. He played an important role in the attacking move that led to the winning goal.

• Fabian Ruiz – 7/10

He worked tirelessly in midfield. He did not allow Argentina to gain dominance in the game.

• Rodri – 7/10

As captain, he showed a composed performance and controlled the midfield. He made a significant contribution to Spain's World Cup journey.

• Alex Baena – 7/10

He presented energetic play and kept Argentina's defenders under constant pressure.

• Dani Olmo – 7/10

He created chances and constantly challenged the opponents. He was impressive on another glorious day for Spanish football.

• Lamine Yamal – 7/10

Became a World Cup winner at the age of 19. He created the first good chance of the final.

• Mikel Oyarzabal – 7/10

Although he was impressive in attack, Argentina largely kept him under control. He finished the tournament as Spain's top scorer with five goals.

Substitute players

• Pedri (62nd minute) – 7/10

Added energy to the midfield.

• Ferran Torres (62nd minute) – 8/10

Added pace to Spain's attack. Converted the opportunity that came in extra time into a goal, bringing the World Cup title to the country.

• Nico Williams (75th minute) – 9/10

A substitute player who had an excellent impact on the game. After entering the field, Spain's attack became more dangerous, and he played a big role in the decisive goal.

• Mikel Merino (75th minute) – 6/10

Proved to be an impressive 'super sub' once again.

• Eric Garcia (99th minute) – 6/10

Worked hard after coming onto the field in extra time.

• Martin Zubimendi (99th minute) – 6/10

Contributed to Spain's historic victory by successfully completing his responsibilities.

Argentina

Starting XI

• Emiliano Martinez – 6/10

Excellent save from Lamine Yamal's free-kick towards the end of regular time.

• Nicolas Tagliafico – 6/10

Tried to hold Spain off for a long time. But after being reduced to 10 men, the team could not withstand the pressure.

• Lisandro Martinez – 5/10

Received a yellow card after fouling Oyarzabal. Left the field in the first half due to injury.

• Cristian Romero – 6/10

Kept Spain's top scorer Oyarzabal under control. Received a yellow card for showing dissent.

• Gonzalo Montiel – 6/10

Saved a certain goal by blocking Dani Olmo's dangerous cross.

• Nico Gonzalez – 5/10

Was substituted at halftime after Argentina failed to take a single shot in the first half.

• Alexis Mac Allister – 5/10

Avoided a yellow card despite a late tackle on Dani Olmo.

• Enzo Fernandez – 4/10

Sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Pau Cubarsi. This was Argentina's first red card in a World Cup since 2006.

• Rodrigo De Paul – 5/10

Could not make the expected impact on the game and was substituted in the middle of the second half.

• Julian Alvarez – 5/10

Failed to make an impact against Spain's strong defense.

• Lionel Messi – 6/10

If this was his last World Cup match, it was a very painful end. Could not pose a serious challenge to Spain's defense. Finished the tournament with eight goals, two less than Kylian Mbappe of France.

Substitute players

• Nicolas Otamendi (41st minute) – 5/10

Came on for the injured Lisandro Martinez. Tried to turn the game around before receiving a red card.

• Leandro Paredes (46th minute) – 3/10

Received a yellow card a few minutes after entering the field for pushing Rodri. Was also involved in controversy after the match.

• Nahuel Molina (50th minute) – 5/10

A disappointing end to the World Cup.

• Facundo Medina (70th minute) – 4/10

Could not bring the team back into the game.

• Giovanni Simeone (70th minute) – 4/10

Failed to make an impact on the game.

• Marcos Senesi (102nd minute) – 4/10

Could not change the course of the game even in extra time.