Sergio Ramos congratulates players of Spain before the award ceremony following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Lars Baron/Getty Images/AFP Lars Baron / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP
Spain claimed its second FIFA World Cup title after edging defending champion Argentina, 1-0, after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (Monday Philippine time).
Ferran Torres scored the lone goal in the 106th minute, finishing off a headed pass from Nico Williams to break the deadlock in a tightly contested championship match. Spain's disciplined defense then held firm to deny Argentina, whose hopes of retaining the title ended after Enzo Fernández was sent off late in regulation with a second yellow card.
The victory capped a remarkable campaign for La Roja, who lifted their second men's World Cup trophy after their maiden triumph in 2010. Spain also became the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men's and women's FIFA World Cup titles.
Rodri was named the tournament's Golden Ball winner as the best player after orchestrating Spain's midfield throughout the competition. The Manchester City star played a pivotal role in Spain's unbeaten run, controlling possession and dictating the tempo in every knockout match.
Spain also swept the remaining major individual honors.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove award after anchoring the tournament's stingiest defense, while teenage defender Pau Cubarsí was named Best Young Player, capping a breakout World Cup at just 19 years old.
France captain Kylian Mbappé secured the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals. Although France settled for fourth place following a thrilling 6-4 loss to England in the third-place playoff, Mbappé's scoring exploits were enough to claim the award.
The FIFA Fair Play Award went to the Netherlands, recognizing the team's exemplary discipline and sportsmanship throughout the expanded 48-team tournament.
The 2026 edition was the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches, and being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The expanded format produced several surprise stories, including impressive runs by Morocco, Norway, Cape Verde, and Colombia before traditional powers ultimately dominated the latter stages.
England finished third after defeating France 6-4 in a high-scoring playoff, while Argentina settled for runner-up honors after falling just short of back-to-back World Cup titles.
2026 FIFA World Cup major award winners:
World Cup champions: Spain
Runner-up: Argentina
Third place: England
Golden Ball (Best Player): Rodri (Spain)
Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Kylian Mbappé (France) – 10 goals
Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Unai Simón (Spain)
Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
FIFA Fair Play Award: Netherlands
