World Cup 2026: latest news and reaction after Spain beat Argentina to win trophy

Key events

The post-match altercation was a sad reflection of Argentina’s foiled attempt to use their physicality against a very patient Spain. And that patience ultimately paid off, Jacob Steinberg writes, with Argentina just become more frustrated as Spain refused to take the bait.

The stats tell the story, too: Argentina’s xG was 0.00 until conceding forced a desperate late flurry. Even then, though, the threat increased only to 0.22.

As Spain began to celebrate their second World Cup victory, Leandro Paredes decided to continue his game after the final whistle, making sure the ending was as sour as it possibly could be. The Argentina player initiated a melee just seconds after the whistle blew when he charged at Eric García and pushed him in the neck. Paredes then threw Gavi to the ground, receiving a red card for his troubles.

Leandro Paredes gets violent with Gavi after the final whistle. Photograph: Marvin Ibo Guengoer/GES Sportfoto/Getty Images

It was the triumph of an idea, an identity. Of an unshakable and patient faith. And when it was over, Spain’s new generation having emulated the one from the 2010 World Cup, all of those legendary names, there was simply delirium for them.

Preamble

It’s over. 104 matches later and Spain have been crowned world champions after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time. In contrast to the goal-fest that was England’s third-place win over France, the final was a somewhat less exciting affair – and that’s with a closing ceremony and half-time show! (That’s another story, we’ll get to it.)

Luis de la Fuente’s side prodded and poked until the reigning champions could hold them back no longer and Ferran Torres slammed it into the net in the 106th minute. The Guardian had a veritable swarm of journalists at New York New Jersey Stadium to cover the final action on the pitch and off.

So, let’s get into it … there’s a lot of it!