Spain are World Cup champions again. Ferran Torres found the net in the 106th minute to seal a 1-0 victory over Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, giving Spain their second World Cup title since their first in 2010.
But the story wasn’t just on the pitch. Fans across the United States and Canada flooded bars, public plazas, and outdoor screening events to watch the final together, turning the host nations into one giant living room for 120-plus minutes of tension.
A World Cup unlike any before
This tournament was already making history before a ball was kicked. The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the first co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It ran from June 11 to July 19, spanning dozens of venues across the continent.
It was also the largest World Cup ever staged, featuring a record 48 teams. That’s a significant jump from the 32-team format that had been standard since 1998.
