World Cup 2026: Spain's 'victory for football' over 'embarrassing' Argentina
Spain defeated Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey. The victory was characterized by dominant possession and tactical superiority, marking Spain's second men's World Cup title.
Why it matters
The World Cup is a major global sporting event with significant cultural and economic impact on the participating nations.
Figure caption, Spain dominate Argentina to win World Cup after extra time
Describing a result as a 'victory for football' might seem like a trite cliche - but you won't find many neutrals disagreeing with that description of Spain's win in the 2026 World Cup final.
When Ferran Torres slammed in the extra-time winner, and Rodri lifted the trophy high in New Jersey, it is hard to imagine many will have had sympathy for Argentina.
Spain triumphed in a battle of endurance, for players and spectators, to beat the Argentines and win their second men's World Cup.
On every football metric - and, some would say, morality too - this was the right result.
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