The Men’s 2026 FIFA World Cup is over, and Spain have deservedly been crowned World Champions after beating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time. The game was not as memorable as the 2022 World Cup final, but that was in no part due to Spain. Argentina were dominated from beginning to end, resorting to deplorable tactics when they realized they couldn’t keep up with their opponents’ smooth passing game.
Lionel Messi was kept quiet and limited to no more than 10 touches in regulation time. All credit goes to Spain’s ball retention and possession. Spain will feel the referees were very lenient towards Argentina’s players as the game progressed, but their ability to maintain composure yielded the ultimate reward. After the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate in regulation time, Ferran Torres’ goal in the 113th minute was enough to settle the final in Spain’s favor.
Argentina tried to mount one final challenge in the dying minutes but failed to break down Spain’s defense, which conceded only one goal in the entire competition—a record for the fewest goals conceded in World Cup history. Spain’s victory will be regarded by many as a triumph for football, given the way they played compared to their opponents. The underhanded tactics Argentina used drew a collective desire for a Spain victory from neutrals all over the world, even those who are staunch Messi fans. Yet again, the team playing the right way prevailed over the team with inferior ability on the ball.
This is a huge victory for Total Football at a time when many had conceded modern football to moved past it as an approach. As European and World Champions, Spain will now prove to be very difficult to knock off the summit of World football.
Vamos Espana!! Congratulations LaRoja!
