Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final was followed by a sweep of the tournament’s leading individual awards, with Rodri, Unai Simón and Pau Cubarsí recognised for their roles in La Roja’s second world title.
France captain Kylian Mbappé prevented a complete Spanish sweep by winning the Golden Boot with 10 goals. Lionel Messi collected the Silver Ball, while Ferran Torres was named Player of the Match after scoring Spain’s championship-winning goal.
Complete FIFA World Cup 2026 awards list
- Golden Ball: Rodri, Spain
- Silver Ball: Lionel Messi, Argentina
- Bronze Ball: Kylian Mbappé, France
- Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappé, France — 10 goals
- Silver Boot: Lionel Messi, Argentina — eight goals
- Bronze Boot: Jude Bellingham, England — seven goals
- Golden Glove: Unai Simón, Spain
- Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí, Spain
- FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Netherlands
- Final Player of the Match: Ferran Torres, Spain
The results were confirmed in FIFA’s official World Cup awards announcement after the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium. The match completed the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule, which featured 104 games across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Why Rodri won the Golden Ball
Rodri was selected as the tournament’s best player after controlling Spain’s midfield across its eight matches. The 30-year-old connected defence and attack, set the pace through his passing and helped stop counterattacks before they developed into clear chances.
His positioning allowed Spain’s attacking players to move forward without leaving the defence exposed. Messi finished second in the voting after scoring eight goals and providing four assists, while Mbappé received the Bronze Ball.
How Mbappé secured the Golden Boot
Mbappé scored 10 goals and supplied four assists in eight appearances. He moved clear at the top by scoring twice in France’s 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place playoff.
Messi finished with eight goals, while Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland recorded seven each. Bellingham received the Bronze Boot under the tiebreaking process, which considers assists and then minutes played when players finish level on goals.
Mbappé became a consecutive Golden Boot winner after leading the 2022 World Cup with eight goals. His 10-goal campaign was the highest single-tournament total since Gerd Müller scored 10 for West Germany in 1970.
Why Unai Simón won the Golden Glove
Unai Simón received the goalkeeping award after recording seven clean sheets in eight games. Spain conceded only one goal during its title-winning campaign.
Simón remained dependable when opponents broke through and helped Spain build attacks with his distribution. His seven clean sheets equalled the record for a single men’s World Cup.
Pau Cubarsí named Best Young Player
Pau Cubarsí won the Best Young Player award after becoming a regular member of Spain’s defence at 19. The Barcelona centre-back played more than 700 minutes, completed approximately 96% of his passes and started the final.
His composure helped Spain defend with a high line while continuing to circulate the ball under pressure. The achievement was particularly notable because this was his first World Cup.
How Spain defeated Argentina
The final remained scoreless throughout normal time. Spain controlled possession and created the better opportunities, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made important saves against Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
Argentina’s task became harder when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card near the end of regulation time. The defending champions therefore entered extra time with 10 players.
Torres, introduced as a substitute, scored in the 106th minute. Pedro Porro delivered the cross, Williams headed the ball into Torres’ path and the forward drove his finish past Martínez.
Williams later had a goal disallowed for a foul, but Spain protected its lead. Argentina failed to register a shot on target, leaving Messi on the losing side in his third World Cup final after 2014 and 2022.
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What Spain’s victory means
The result gave Spain its second men’s World Cup and its first since 2010. It also added a world championship to the European title won by Luis de la Fuente’s team in 2024.
Argentina had been attempting to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy. The defeat may also have ended Messi’s World Cup career at 39, although he had not confirmed his international retirement immediately after the final.
Supporters affected by problems away from the pitch can review the available options for World Cup ticket cancellations and refunds.
What the World Cup awards mean
The Golden Ball recognises the tournament’s best overall player, while the Golden Boot is decided by goals scored. The Golden Glove goes to the leading goalkeeper, and the Best Young Player prize recognises the competition’s standout eligible emerging player.
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