A Carnivalesque atmosphere erupted at Universal Bar, St James, after Spain emerged champions in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Argentina.Jubilant fans began dancing in celebration to soca superstars Machel Montano’s “Pardy” and Bunji Garlin’s “Carry It” led by Jamerson Joseph as Belmont-based Phoenix Rhythm Section broke into a frenzied rhythm. Sporting red and yellow, supporters who boldly declared their Spanish allegiance were overcome with emotion. They hugged and pranced with delight. They sang “Spain is the boss. We deserve a party.”Before, a wave of ecstasy, tinged with relief swept through the cosmopolitan crowd when Ferran Torres wrote his name into FIFA’s history books by scoring the first and lone goal in the final.Decked in baby blue and white T-shirts, Argentina’s fans showed their disappointed but the majority did not exit the venue.Football fans had devoured the game, which pitted Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) and Spain’s Lamine Yamal (19) against each other, on two big screens. They took in the beautiful game on chairs in the middle, or mounted the stairs to join the watch party. A large section spilled over onto the street and the neighbouring 52 Bar. Some people opted for the watering hole next to St James Market.Proprietor Dennis ensured everyone kept quaffing beers, with specials at $150 for 12 cold beers. Among those rooting for Spain were Diego Martin’s DaLeon Sinnette, Ricardo Jacob, Baljour and Amanda Jules. Clapping and cheering loudly, Jacob said: “I am glad Spain won. I was looking forward to baby boy Yamal scoring the goal. Today is the 19th. He’s 19. I knew it was all over for them when Argentina started playing with ten men. I was glad Enzo Fernández picked up his second yellow card. Vamos, Fernandez. As the old adage says, ‘Is crapaud smoke your pipe.’”Birthday boy Mark Riley, a die-hard Argentina supporter, still found the strength to pose for pictures with his wife Alysha Riley and children. Beside a birthday cake with blue icing, she said: “I am supporting Spain. I’m so glad they won. It feels great.”As he entered the Queen’s Park Oval, former health minister Terrence Deyalsingh had declared his support for Argentina. Decked in his team’s T-shirt, he lifted his hands, and said: “It’s Argentina all the way.”In a phone interview yesterday, Spain fan Major Lawrence Wilson said: “I am on top of the world. My team Spain won. When Spain won, I was at the Oval. The crowd roared. Very few people supported Argentina. I was surprised. I made about six pit stops to celebrate Spain. I am heading to another bar in Chaguanas now.”He added: “There’s more to Spain’s victory. It means Spain is the first country in history to win consecutive men’s and women’s World Cups. Football lovers know they denied Argentina the chance of becoming the third men’s team to defend a title. It’s Spanish success.”Having predicted a Spanish victory, veteran sportscaster Selwyn Melville said: “Basically, the Spanish played about 30-plus games without being beaten. Their structure and how they run the game shows they are very organised. It’s a hard team for anybody to beat. Even though Messi and they were defending champions. Spain had much more to offer.”Melville added: “The Spanish came out with the will and wish to win a World Cup. I think they were very lucky to get to that stage. They had good opportunities. The Spanish were very much in control of the game and it was only a matter of time.”