Spain, 2026 World Cup champions

Spain now has its second star. The side managed by Luis De La Fuente beat Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, in a match where the Spanish team was clearly superior to the Albiceleste. In fact, Argentina’s only two dangerous shots came in the final minutes of extra time when they had already lost all hope and had no choice but to attack.

The only Argentina player who created chances and posed a threat was Messi. The captain, who may have played his final match for the Argentina national team, was the one who brought the quality, and it was from his boots that the chances created by Lionel Scaloni’s side emerged. But collectively, Spain proved far superior to Argentina, who could only contain the talented Spanish players by resorting to fouls.

One such foul, at the end of the ninety minutes, proved decisive. Enzo Fernández, the Chelsea midfielder, was shown a second yellow card, leaving Argentina with ten men for extra time. In the final 30 minutes, Spain created the best chances through two headers from Mikel Merino and Nico William. But it was Ferran Torres who scored the goal that secured Spain’s second World Cup title.

Spain’s World Cup results

• Spain 0–0 Cape Verde
• Spain 4–0 Saudi Arabia
• Uruguay 0–1 Spain
• Spain 3–0 Austria
• Portugal 0–1 Spain
• Spain 2–1 Belgium
• France 0–2 Spain
• Spain 1–0 Argentina

Luis De La Fuente’s winning run

By winning the 2026 World Cup, Spain proved that it is the best team in the world. Perhaps others, such as France, have more standout individuals, but in terms of team play, the side managed by Luis De La Fuente has outclassed all its rivals with authority. With an outstanding Rodrigo, they have neutralised all their opponents and ensured that matches unfolded exactly as their captain intended.

This World Cup has cemented Luis De La Fuente’s status as the great victor. The current Spanish manager took the reins of the Spanish side after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when Spain, under Luis Enrique, were knocked out in the round of 16 by Morocco on penalties. That defeat led to the appointment of a manager who had won everything at youth level.

A year later, in the 2023 Nations League, Luis De La Fuente secured his first title by winning the final against Croatia on penalties. In 2024, he led Spain to their fourth European Championship, beating England in the final. Last year, he reached the final of the 2025 Nations League, which they lost to Portugal on penalties. And at the 2026 World Cup, he capped off his winning era with the only title that had eluded him as Spain’s senior national team manager.

Luis De La Fuente’s honours as Spain’s national team manager

• 2023 Nations League: Champions
• 2024 European Championship: Champions
• 2025 Nations League: Runners-up
• 2026 World Cup: Champions