Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0 in Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium, bringing the tournament to a memorable conclusion.
La Roja secured their second FIFA World Cup title, adding to their historic 2010 triumph in South Africa. Luis de la Fuente’s side also set a remarkable record by becoming the first team to win the World Cup while conceding just one goal throughout the tournament.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi in what is widely expected to be his final FIFA World Cup appearance, finished as runners-up, while England claimed third place after an entertaining 6-4 victory over France in the third-place playoff.
Following the final, FIFA announced the individual award winners, recognising the standout performers of the tournament.
Golden Ball (Best Player)
Winner: Rodri (Spain)
Rodri was named the tournament’s best player after producing a series of commanding displays in midfield. His leadership, composure and ability to dictate play were instrumental in Spain’s march to the World Cup title.
Golden Boot (Top Scorer)
Winner: Kylian Mbappé (France)
Despite France finishing fourth, Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot with 10 goals in eight matches. The French superstar became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot at two consecutive tournaments and extended his record as the men’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 22 career goals.
Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper)
Winner: Unai Simón (Spain)
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove after an exceptional tournament between the posts. He helped Spain concede just one goal in seven matches and also set a World Cup record by going 650 consecutive minutes without conceding.
Best Young Player
Winner: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
Teenage defender Pau Cubarsí was named the Best Young Player after delivering composed and mature performances throughout the tournament. His outstanding displays at the heart of Spain’s defence played a key role in their historic title-winning campaign.
FIFA Fair Play Award
Winner: Netherlands
The Netherlands received the FIFA Fair Play Award in recognition of their exemplary discipline and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Full List of 2026 FIFA World Cup Award Winners
- Champions: Spain
- Runners-up: Argentina
- Third Place: England
- Fourth Place: France
- Golden Ball: Rodri (Spain)
- Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappé (France) – 10 goals
- Golden Glove: Unai Simón (Spain)
- Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
- FIFA Fair Play Award: Netherlands
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
