Overview
- Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to decide the final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
- Televised footage showed on-pitch scuffles and Argentina players turning their backs during Spain's trophy lift, prompting FIFA to appoint a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate the incidents.
- A widely shared moment after the match showed 19-year-old Lamine Yamal embrace Lionel Messi, who told Yamal to "keep going my way," a phrase Yamal said was as valuable as a medal.
- The final drew record North American audiences with Fox reporting an average of about 38.9 million viewers and Telemundo adding roughly 22.6 million, pushing U.S. viewership past 60 million at peak.
- The victory and its fallout have produced cultural and political flashpoints, including criticism over Ferran Torres photographed wearing a 'Make Spain Great Again' style hat and continued debate over FIFA's handling of protests and access during the expanded 48-team tournament.