Spain completed a memorable FIFA World Cup campaign by claiming all three major individual player awards after edging Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time to hand La Roja victory in a tense showdown in New Jersey. Although the score was close, Spain controlled the game for long periods and produced a display that deserved more than a one-goal win.
Luis de la Fuente’s team followed their impressive semi-final victory over France with another dominant performance in Sunday’s final. Their display confirmed them as the standout side of the tournament, and they were rewarded after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium.
Rodri received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi was named Young Player of the Tournament, while Unai Simon collected the Golden Glove after allowing only one goal throughout the competition.
The Golden Boot went to France forward Kylian Mbappe, whose two goals in the third-place defeat to England took his total to 10. He finished ahead of Lionel Messi, who ended the tournament with eight goals.
The Netherlands claimed the FIFA Fair Play Award.
Spain also celebrated their team success after adding the World Cup title to their European crown. Like at Euro 2024, La Roja improved as the tournament went on and are now both European and world champions, matching the achievements of Spain’s famous 2008-2010 side.
De la Fuente’s squad now has one more major trophy to win before matching the golden generation that also lifted Euro 2012. After their outstanding displays in North America, Spain will head into Euro 2028 as one of the leading contenders.
World Cup 2026 Official Awards
- Golden Ball: Rodri (Spain)
- Silver Ball: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Bronze Ball: Kylian Mbappe (France)
- Golden Glove: Unai Simon (Spain)
- Young Player: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
- Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappe, France (10)
- Silver Boot: Lionel Messi, Argentina (8)
- Bronze Boot: Jude Bellingham (7)
- FIFA Fair Play Award: Netherlands
