Spain winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup puts this generation in the conversation with some of the greatest national teams in history. No team had followed a European Championship title with a World Cup victory since Spain did it by winning Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. That legendary Spanish side then completed an … Read more
NEW YORK NEW JERSEY STADIUM — After Spain’s support staff had laid out the game plan, explained the tactics, told the players how they would best position themselves to make this Sunday one they’d never want to forget as opposed to one they’d never be able to, coach Luis de la Fuente addressed his team. … Read more
Spain and Lamine Yamal have grown through the tournament to leave him with the world at his feet and football’s two greatest prizes in his pocket. As well as having glorious natural gifts, he is also Spain’s lucky charm. They completed their domination of the international stage with Ferran Torres’ decisive 106th-minute strike in extra … Read more
It ended almost as Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump had planned. Earlier on a seemingly endless World Cup final day, the trophy had, in a scene perfectly of a piece with the event’s excess, been let out of a Louis Vuitton trunk. Now they shuffled up to the podium together and presented it to a … Read more
Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino were booed as they took to the field for the presentation ceremony before the US president attempted to gatecrash Spain’s victory party. Trump arrived at the stadium on Marine One, with the president’s helicopter first flying over the stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off. He sat in a glassed-in section … Read more
This was more than a victory for Luis de la Fuente and his wonderful players like Lamine Yamal, the outstanding sub Nico Williams, and Ferran Torres, who struck a fractious final’s decisive blow. This was a victory for football. This was a victory for those who believe the game should be about expression, not aggression. … Read more
Starting XI Unai Simon: Came charging outside his box in the opening minutes which almost led to disaster before recovering to help Spain add the World Cup to their European triumph of two-years ago. 7 Marc Cucurella: Drove forward on numerous occasions and went close with a rare first-half attempt which whistled just wide. 7 … Read more
The referees have been active at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It took only 27 games across seven days for officials to allocate more red cards than they did during each of the entire 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. The record for red cards in a single World Cup stands at 28 in 2006. … Read more
Key events 36 min It’s a pretty bitty game. I was going to say that suits Argentina more than Spain, but after Wednesday I’m not so sure. Share 35 min “I think you’re being a bit modest after tipping Spain to win it all along,” says Andrew Goudie. “Did you ever have any doubts?” Do … Read more
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States is the first-ever edition of the tournament to be co-hosted by three nations — the next World Cup will be just as expansive. It will be the first edition to play on three different continents, with games set to be played in six … Read more