Spain’s defender #22 Pau Cubarsi, Spain’s midfielder #16 Rodri and Spain’s goalkeeper #23 Unai Simon pose on the podium after respectively receiving the Young Player, Golden Ball, Golden Glove awards during the award ceremony of the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP)
The curtain came down on the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday with Spain crowned world champions and the tournament’s award winners also confirmed following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
La Roja lifted the World Cup trophy for the second time in their history, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010. Luis de la Fuente’s side also made history by becoming the first World Cup-winning team to concede just one goal throughout an entire tournament.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi in what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance, finished runners-up after falling short in the final, while England claimed third place with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the bronze-medal match.
Beyond the team honours, several players were recognised for their outstanding performances throughout the month-long tournament.
