Spain’s triumphant World Cup champions have arrived back in Madrid ahead of an extravagant trophy parade through the streets of the capital, while Argentina were left to return home in disgrace following the ugly scenes at the end of their final defeat in New Jersey. Spain have plenty to celebrate after Ferran Torres’ goal secured their second men’s World Cup triumph, and it was victory for football too after Argentina offered little throughout the match and then reacted badly after the final whistle. Fifa are set to investigate the post-match scenes before deciding whether to take additional disciplinary action. A bizarre and, at times, deeply weird final was a dire spectacle for 90 minutes. But Spain then finally made the breakthrough when Torres calmly hammered home at the start of the second half of extra time. It meant Lionel Messi was denied on surely his final World Cup appearance, with the aftermath further souring the occasion for the 39-year-old football icon.Donald Trump then unsurprisingly inserted himself into things post-match as he lurked towards the edge of Spain’s trophy lift to ensure he was in the photo, despite Gianni Infantino trying to usher him away, after presenting the Spanish players with medals and the trophy.Follow all of the fallout from the World Cup final in our live blog below:2026 was a World Cup of contradictions – with a tainted legacyThis whole World Cup felt tangled in a web of contradictions, with matters on and off the field colliding to create a drama-filled, but in Miguel Delaney’s opinion, forgettable tournament. After two months in North America, our chief football writer wraps up the event.2026 was a World Cup of contradictions – with a tainted legacyIn some ways, the tournament was like the best American fast food, writes Miguel Delaney, entertaining but immediately forgettable, yet Fifa ushered through some harmful precedents for the future of football and off-field controversy cast a long shadowHarry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 14:45How Luis de la Fuente’s tactical tweaks perfected Spain and created World Cup final masterclassSpain remain the masters of tiki-taka – though under Luis de la Fuente, their tactics have evolved slightly. Chris Wilson explains.Harry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 14:30Spain to receive hero's welcome after arriving back in Madrid Spain’s open-top bus parade will begin at 7pm local time (6pm BST) after the players return to home soil, with their plane due to land at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport at around 2:30pm on Monday.The parade will follow a period of downtime for the players, coaching staff and federation officials, who will be taken straight to a secure location for lunch before the celebrations.(Getty)(Getty)(Getty)Jamie Braidwood20 July 2026 14:23World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The Independent’s best XI from historic eventDo any of Thomas Tuchel’s squad make our team of the tournament? As you might expect, it’s a Spain-heavy selection...Harry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 14:15When is Spain’s World Cup trophy parade and what is the route?Spain, meanwhile, will celebrate their World Cup triumph with a trophy parade later today. Will Castle20 July 2026 14:00Spain arrive back in Madrid ahead of World Cup trophy paradeSpain have touched down in Madrid, with captain Rodri proudly holding the World Cup trophy aloft after stepping off the plane with head coach Luis de la Fuente. Crowds packed Madrid's Puerta de Sol and other major squares as they celebrated into the early hours of Monday morning, and that will only continue after the team land back in Spain - with supporters already securing their spots in Cibeles Square for the parade as they brave the baking sun.(Getty)Jamie Braidwood20 July 2026 13:56Spain’s legacy is clear and this is what England must learn from World Cup winnersWhat can England and the rest of the world’s teams learn from Spain? Miguel Delaney explains the key tenets of their continued footballing success.Harry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 13:50Crowd boos, player snub and failed photobomb: Donald Trump’s big World Cup day outArgentina weren’t the only ones misbehaving after the match. What was Donald Trump doing? Kieran Jackson recaps the president’s big day out:Harry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 13:30What punishment could Argentina face as World Cup final ends in brawl? Fifa are set to investigate the post-match scenes before deciding whether to take additional disciplinary action - but violent conduct carries a three-match ban.Jamie Braidwood20 July 2026 13:15Wayne Rooney's brutal verdict on half-time showI think Wayne Rooney spoke for most of us on the BBC’s coverage of the half-time show last night. The former England striker had a good tournament – which you wouldn’t have always said during his playing career.Harry Latham-Coyle20 July 2026 13:00