Global Press Unanimous: Football Has Triumphed

The global press largely agrees that Spain deserved their World Cup title after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final. Here's how the 2026 World Cup final and the performance of both teams were assessed by most major publications:

Spain

Mundo Deportivo: "Yes, this was the most important match of their lives. A match that will forever change the history of a nation and a generation. Spain no longer needs to view 2010 as just a fleeting memory. The national team, led by Luis de la Fuente, wrote its own chapter in history at MetLife Stadium, securing a second World Cup title against an Argentina side led by Leo Messi."

Marca: "Kings of the World once more. Ferran Torres, who scored a magnificent goal, enters the Hall of Fame."

AS: "Just like the first time. A Ferran Torres goal in the 106th minute sealed Spain's second World Cup title in their history. La Roja had 20 shots on goal, while Argentina managed only two."

El Mundo: "Spain ends Messi's World Cup era."

Argentina

La Nación: "The End of a Dream"

La Capital: "Argentina gave everything, to the last drop of blood, the last spark of courage, and the last bit of football they had left – and lost by the narrowest of margins in extra time, with only 10 players, to a Spanish team that, while clearly superior, lacked the bravery to decide the match earlier. Lionel Scaloni's players have nothing to be ashamed of; they played a phenomenal World Cup, with epic victories and the love of the entire Argentine nation, and they exit the tournament with their heads held high."

Olе: "Argentina gave their all and lost with their heads held high: Spain are the deserved 2026 World Champions."

Clarín: "Thank you, Leo! Messi bids farewell to the World Cup with his third final and an unforgettable tournament. The Argentina captain sits on the pitch, resigned but surely proud to have reached another final in his last World Cup."

Diario Popular: "Argentina gave their soul, but Spain was better and are World Champions."

England

Daily Mail: "Heartbreak for Lionel Messi as his team loses the title."

Telegraph: "Spain wins the World Cup with a triumph of football over Argentine villainy. It took us extra time to get there, but thank goodness we did. Sport won. Spain won the World Cup, and we are all better for it. Football is better for it. Indeed, we desperately needed Spain to win this final. Anything else would have felt like a crime."

France

L'Equipe: "The New Kings. Spain dominated an Argentine team that didn't register their first shot on target until the 117th minute. Two years after winning the European Championship, 'La Roja' confirmed their status as the best team in the world."

USA

The Athletic: "Substitute Ferran Torres was the hero. His goal broke Argentina's heart and prevented Lionel Messi and his team from winning two consecutive World Cups. The 39-year-old Messi played his most anonymous match of the tournament, with only one touch of the ball in the first 15 minutes. The tense pace of the game was further underscored by a 27-minute halftime show."

Italy

Gazzetta dello Sport: "Spain. It had to be Spain. It had to be Spain. Only Spain could have won this final, because if Argentina had won, it would have been an insult to football. A beautiful triumph, marred only by an opponent who was determined not to play. Magnificent Spain, ugly Argentina."

Brazil

GloboEsporte.com: "Spain became the first team to win two World Cups in the 21st century. After eliminating favorites France, 'La Roja' deservedly defeated the reigning champions."