Superb Spain worthy winners in showpiece dominated by superstar names

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Superb Spain worthy winners in showpiece dominated by superstar names

East Rutherford: It was a FIFA World Cup in which football's biggest names sprinkled stardust over the tournament, yet in the end the trophy deservingly went to a formidable if unspectacular Spain side who were simply too strong, even without Lamine Yamal being at his thrilling best.

 

The 19-year-old winger was the focus of so much attention, but he initially struggled to find full fitness and finished with just one goal, in a group-stage win over Saudi Arabia.

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De la Fuente: Spain have grown together

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

De la Fuente: Spain have grown together

East Rutherford: An emotional Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente spoke of his pride in his players after they won the second FIFA World Cup in the country's history on Sunday.

The European side, despite dominating the final against Argentina, had to wait till the 16th minute of extra-time to find the only goal of the game by Ferran Torres to defeat a stubborn 10-man Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium. 

Title belongs to all of Spain, says match-winner Torres

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Title belongs to all of Spain, says match-winner Torres

East Rutherford: Ferran Torres said his FIFA World Cup 2026-winning goal for Spain on Sunday belonged to "47 million people, not just me or the 26 players".

The Barcelona forward scored in the second period of extra-time as Spain finally broke down 10-man Argentina to win 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

The better team won, admits Argentina's Scaloni

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

The better team won, admits Argentina's Scaloni

East Rutherford: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain were the better team following his team's 1-0 extra-time defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday.

Substitute Ferran Torres scored in the second period of extra-time as Spain finally broke down 10-man Argentina to win 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

The South American champions, featuring star player Lionel Messi, had been seeking to become the first team since 1962 to win back-to-back FIFA World Cups.

Spain captain Rodri crowned MVP

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Spain captain Rodri crowned MVP

East Rutherford: Spain captain Rodri won the Golden Ball award for the best player at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday after leading his team to a 1-0 victory against Argentina.

The 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or for the world's best player in 2024, said the team were "a bit shocked right now".

Rodri ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament while playing for City against Arsenal in September 2024, making his competitive return the following May.

Mbappe wins Golden Boot

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Mbappe wins Golden Boot

East Rutherford: Kylian Mbappe won the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot on Sunday after Lionel Messi failed to add to his tally in the final against Spain.

The France captain scored 10 goals to top the charts ahead of Argentina great Messi, who finished with eight.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Norway striker Erling Haaland each scored seven times.