Spain are the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions, and they left little doubt about it.

A dominant tournament from start to finish was completed with a 1-0 extra-time win over Lionel Messi and Argentina in the final. The lone tally, which turned out to be the game-winning goal from Ferran Torres, took much longer to arrive than Spain would have wanted, but they never took their foot off the gas and eventually got what they deserved.

Star midfielder Rodri took home the Golden Ball for the best player in the tournament despite not registering a goal or an assist, while 19-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí earned the Young Player of the Tournament award for his efforts.

Those honors showed just what this Spanish side was all about: technically sound football and possession of the ball. They gave their opponents next to nothing, allowing just one goal in eight games played. That included holding Argentina to just two shots in the final, none of which came on goal, making it another easy night for goalkeeper Unai Simon, who was hardly tested throughout the tournament.

Incredibly enough, Spain did it all with very little production from their touted superstar, Lamine Yamal, who scored just one goal and had no assists in eight games. Manager Luis de la Fuente attested to that, praising his young star for buying into the team game.

“Lamine has learned to play a different type of football that will help him mature; he sacrificed himself for the good of the collective. He had an excellent World Cup,”

They weren’t reliant on one or two players like many other nations. Every single player who stepped onto the pitch brought quality, and there was never a drop-off.

Spain now has two stars (2010, 2026) and could have the opportunity to win a third and become back-to-back champions on home soil, as they will be one of the host nations for the upcoming 2030 World Cup. For now, however, they’ll celebrate what they just accomplished in 2026.

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