The Spanish national team, managed by Luis de la Fuente, defeated Lionel Messi’s Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.
With a powerful shot from substitute Ferran Torres (106′), the Spaniards ended the heroics of Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez and won their second star, after the one won in South Africa in 2010.
The red gave Messi a bitter farewell, as the 39-year-old played, according to him, his last match in a World Cup. The number 10 says goodbye without being able to defend the title won in Qatar 2022.
With this victory, The red lifts the trophy again 16 years after their unforgettable first title in South Africa 2010. When they became the first European team to win the World Cup outside of Europe.
Luis de la Fuente’s team thus concluded a solid run that combined defensive strength and decisive appearances in the final minutes.
The best players of the World Cup
The Spanish national team’s goalkeeper was recognized as the best goalkeeper of the World Cup after The red’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final in New Jersey. The Athletic Club Bilbao goalkeeper only conceded one goal throughout the entire tournament. In the 1-1 draw against Belgium in the quarterfinals.
Also the Spanish national team’s center-back was recognized as the best young player of the World Cup after The red’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final in New Jersey. Eighteen-year-old Cubarsí was a key player in the defense that broke the all-time record for consecutive minutes without conceding a goal in World Cup history.
The Spanish midfielder was chosen as the best player of the World Cup after The red’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final in New Jersey. The Manchester City player, who already won the Ballon d’Or in 2024. Now adds the most prestigious individual award of the tournament held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Scaloni after the defeat: We are great in victory and we have to be great in defeat.
Lionel Scaloni spoke after Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey. “We are showing that we know how to lose. We lost the game and we accept it. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to forget everything we did to get here,” he said.
Moreover the coach thanked the squad and the thousands of Argentinians who supported the team: “I want to thank my players and the fans. We gave it our all. If they continue to give their all like they did today, it sets a great example for our people and our country.”
Facts about Spain’s World Cup victory:
-The team won the title for the second time, following their victory in 2010.
-They conceded only one goal in the tournament, setting a new record for world champions.
-The team surpassed Italy’s record for the most consecutive matches without a loss in official competitions, excluding penalty shootouts.
-The Spanish team did not allow a single shot on target in the final match against Argentina.
-Throughout the tournament, they were never behind on the scoreboard against their opponents.
-The team climbed to the top of the FIFA rankings (1,995 points).
-Luis de la Fuente became the third coach to lead a team to victory in both the World Cup and the European Championship.
-The coach has been at the helm of Spanish national teams for 13 years across various age groups.
With information from Cubadebate
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