Unai Simon won the Golden Glove at the 2026 World Cup after keeping seven clean sheets in eight appearances - a truly historic achievement, and yet it would be difficult to argue that the goalkeeper played a particularly important role in Spain's success because he barely had anything to do.
And just like that, it's over. After five-and-a-half weeks of breathless action, the 2026 World Cup is beginning to appear in the rearview mirror, the biggest international tournament in football history leaving behind a lifetime of memories while champions Spain continue their own celebrations.
Spain celebrated their World Cup triumph with a lively open-top bus parade through Madrid, where Lamine Yamal entertained supporters by singing Bad Bunny songs alongside team-mates. Ferran Torres also caught the eye with a Donald Trump-inspired cap before the celebrations turned emotional during the team's ceremony at Cibeles Square.
Inaki Williams has led the tributes to his brother Nico following Spain's historic victory in the World Cup final against Argentina. The Athletic Club forward took to social media to express his immense pride in his younger sibling's achievement on the world's biggest stage.
German football legend Lothar Matthaus has delivered a scathing assessment of Argentina's conduct following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. The former Ballon d'Or winner hit out at the Albiceleste for their lack of sportsmanship and tactical approach during the showpiece event.
Lionel Messi has broken his silence following Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. The legendary captain took to social media to share a moving message with his supporters, admitting that the pain of the loss will take a long time to heal.
Unai Simon has revealed just how comfortable Spain's defence made his job throughout their World Cup triumph, admitting his gloves "didn't have to work that hard" as La Roja conceded just a single goal on their way to lifting the trophy for the first time in 16 years.
Argentina’s World Cup final heartbreak has been compounded by the threat of heavy sanctions following a disgraceful brawl at the final whistle. FIFA has opened an investigation into the scenes in New Jersey, with Leandro Paredes at the center of the controversy.
Spain playmaker Dani Olmo has hit out at the Argentina national team for their lack of sportsmanship following the World Cup final. The Barcelona star insisted that elite professionals have a responsibility to act as role models for the next generation after a controversial trophy ceremony.
Lionel Scaloni has cast serious doubt over his future as Argentina manager following a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The 48-year-old was visibly overcome with emotion during his post-match media duties as he pondered whether he could lead a necessary squad revolution.
After nearly 40 epic days, the World Cup has drawn to a close. The final did not deliver on drama, but there is perhaps justice in the best team winning it all.
Manchester United face a nervous wait over the fitness of Lisandro Martinez after the defender was forced off during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain. The centre-back, a vital component of both his club and national side, was unable to complete the first half of the prestigious tournament decider in New Jersey.
Marc Cucurella has reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling one of the most unusual promises of the World Cup following the Spanish national team's final victory over Argentina. The left-back confirmed that he will get a tattoo of coach Luis de la Fuente's face after La Roja were crowned champions at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Spain captain Rodri has opened up on his emotional journey from a devastating knee injury to lifting the 2026 World Cup trophy in North America. The Manchester City midfielder was named the tournament's best player after leading La Roja to a historic victory over Argentina in the final.
Lamine Yamal was at the heart of the celebrations as Spain secured their second World Cup star with a dramatic victory over Argentina in New Jersey. Amidst the joy of the post-match festivities, the Barcelona star shared a quiet, romantic moment with his girlfriend, Ines Garcia Santos, as they celebrated a career-defining achievement.
Spain forward Nico Williams dedicated La Roja's historic World Cup final triumph over Argentina to his "idol" Neymar. The Athletic Club star provided the vital extra-time assist for Ferran Torres' winner at the New York New Jersey Stadium, ensuring his nation secured their second global crown to equal France and Uruguay.
Spain have officially etched their names into the history books after a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final. Luis de la Fuente's side secured their second world title with a superb defensive display, extending their unbeaten run to a record-breaking 38 matches. The triumph in North America sees La Roja surpass the previous all-time record.
After five weeks, a record 104 matches played and 308 goals scored, the 2026 World Cup is officially over. From a purely footballing perspective, FIFA's biggest tournament of all time did not disappoint, with 48 teams doing battle across three host countries and the vast expanse of North America. And when 46 of those nations had been whittled away, only the top two ranked teams on the planet remained: Spain and Argentina.
Several British television pundits have fiercely condemned the unsavoury post-match behaviour of Leandro Paredes following Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey. The tense fixture boiled over completely at the final whistle, with Paredes ultimately being shown a red card for his part in the ugly scenes.
Lamine Yamal received glowing praise after helping Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final. The 19-year-old produced another composed display on football's biggest stage, with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart claiming the Barcelona winger had "completed football" after adding a World Cup winners' medal to his European Championship triumph.
Lionel Messi was left inconsolable at MetLife Stadium as Argentina's quest for back-to-back world titles ended in a shattering extra-time defeat to Spain. The 39-year-old legend, appearing in his sixth World Cup, could not find the inspiration needed to overcome a dominant Spain side, and broke down in tears as the result sank in.
Argentina’s players have been branded "classless" and an "embarrassment" after turning their backs on Spain during the World Cup trophy presentation. Following a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat in extra-time, Lionel Messi and his team-mates refused to watch as their opponents celebrated at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
Argentina's president has confirmed that a public holiday will be granted to honour the squad's tournament campaign in North America. Despite losing the showpiece finale to Spain in extra time, Javier Milei announced that the players and coaching staff will be allowed to choose the exact date for the upcoming celebrations.
The 2026 World Cup came to a close in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain were deservedly crowned champions after a dour 1-0 win over 10-man Argentina in one of the worst finals in the tournament history. La Roja substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of a game that was essentially attack versus defence even before Enzo Fernandez got himself stupidly sent off for a second yellow card in the final minute of normal time.
Spain
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