After Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup by beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time, FIFA announced the winners of the individual awards for the tournament.
Spain captain Rodri won the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player. He played a key role in Spain's success and helped the team win its second FIFA World Cup title.
France striker Kylian Mbappé received the Golden Boot after finishing the tournament as the top scorer with 10 goals, more than any other player.
Spain defender Pau Cubarsí was named the Best Young Player for his outstanding performances throughout the tournament. The young defender played an important role in Spain's strong defense.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Golden Glove award after keeping clean sheets in all seven matches he played, making him the tournament's best goalkeeper.
Spain Defeats Argentina in the Final
The final was played at New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States. Several world leaders attended the match, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Before kickoff, fans enjoyed performances by social media star IShowSpeed, followed by American rappers Post Malone and Swae Lee.
Spain controlled possession for most of the match, but both teams struggled to create clear scoring chances. Argentina finished the first half without a single shot on target, something that had not happened in a World Cup final since 1966.
Before halftime, defender Lisandro Martínez was forced off with an injury and was replaced by Nicolás Otamendi.
In the second half, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made several important saves to keep his team in the game. However, Argentina's task became even harder when Enzo Fernández was sent off with a red card, leaving his side with 10 players.
After the match remained goalless in normal time, it went into extra time. In the 106th minute, Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game to give Spain a 1-0 victory and the World Cup title.
Spain lifted the FIFA World Cup for the second time after their first triumph in 2010. The champions also received $50 million in prize money, plus an additional $12 million in bonuses.
Records Set During the Final
The final also produced several historic moments. Lamine Yamal became the first player to appear in both a UEFA European Championship final and a FIFA World Cup final before turning 19 years old.
Yamal and Pau Cubarsí also joined the exclusive list of teenagers to play in a World Cup final, alongside Pelé, Giuseppe Bergomi, and Kylian Mbappé.
On Argentina's side, Lionel Messi equaled Cafu's record by playing in three FIFA World Cup finals. He also became the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Individual Award Winners
- Golden Ball (Best Player): Rodri (Spain)
- Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Kylian Mbappé (France) – 10 goals
- Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Unai Simón (Spain)
- Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
These awards highlighted Spain's dominance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the new world champions won three of the four major individual awards presented by FIFA.
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