Full story
Spain edges Argentina
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring in the second period of extra time and breaking down 10-man Argentina.
“The biggest FIFA World Cup in history has come to a close, and most would agree Spain deserved their victory – certainly in the final against Argentina”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said, "They were the better side – that's the truth," after the match, and he added that he would "cherish the memory" of what his team achieved.
The match featured a late turning point when Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card in the 93rd minute for a hard foul, forcing Argentina to play at a disadvantage.
Scaloni also described an ugly skirmish after the final whistle involving Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, saying he had to break it up as the game ended.
The BBC reported that a Reuters team at the scene counted at least 28 bodies laid out in a nearby schoolyard, while the final itself was played in New Jersey at MetLife Stadium.
Messi, boos, and brawls
After the final, Lionel Messi said, "They were better, to be honest," and he added, "We lost the game, and we accept that."
The DW described Donald Trump being booed when he entered the pitch with FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, and it said Rodri appeared to subtly attempt to usher Trump off the stage.
The New York Times said the ceremony focused on Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino, noting that both men were met with loud booing when they appeared on the MetLife pitch to present Spain with the World Cup.
Antena 3 Noticias reported that FIFA opened a disciplinary investigation to clarify incidents after Spain clinched the second star, including review of Leandro Paredes's sending off for violent conduct after a scuffle with Spanish players.
The Independent also described "Ugly scenes" after Spain beat Argentina, saying punches were thrown at full time and that the aftermath further soured the occasion.
Aftermath and next steps
FIFA's disciplinary process is set to study referees' reports and images, with Antena 3 Noticias saying it would decide whether to open disciplinary files and whether to impose sanctions for disturbances recorded once the match had ended.
“FIFA opens an investigation into Argentina over the incidents following the World Cup 2026 final - Author, Dale Johnson - Author's title, Football correspondent, BBC Sport - Publication date - Reading time: 8 min Argentina will be the subject of an investigation over the regrettable violent incidents that occurred during the World Cup final, according to FIFA”
Antena 3 Noticias said FIFA would analyze the alleged conduct of Argentine assistant coach Roberto Ayala, who punched Dani Olmo amid altercations, and it also said Nahuel Molina's actions would be reviewed for his alleged involvement in the punch that Rodri received.
The BBC framed the government response to the broader event as an immediate investigation, with Labour Minister Tahmina Akhter saying, "We will hold the owners fully accountable," while the World Cup final coverage centered on Spain's 1-0 win.
Looking ahead, TODAY said the next World Cup will be in four years, and it stated that the 2030 tournament is slated to be hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
El Confidencial reported that Spain's celebrations in Madrid drew "two million people" to the streets for the parade and final party in Cibeles, as the squad led by Luis de la Fuente began a new era after winning the 2026 World Cup.
