Spain won the FIFA World Cup for the second time, defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 in the final held in New Jersey. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute of extra time.
Tournament Summary
Spain conceded just one goal throughout the entire tournament and finished unbeaten, extending their overall unbeaten streak to 38 matches. The team entered the competition as European champions.
The squad had an average age of 26.19 years, making it the sixth-youngest among the 48 participating teams, with six players over the age of 30. Teenagers Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, both 19, played key roles.
Group Stage
Spain began the tournament with a 0-0 draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde. They then won their remaining group matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, both by a 1-0 scoreline.
Knockout Stage
- Round of 32: Spain defeated Austria.
- Round of 16: Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winning goal against Portugal.
- Quarterfinals: Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winning goal against Belgium.
- Semifinals: Spain defeated France 2-0, controlling possession and limiting France's attacking opportunities.
Final Match Details
Spain held 65% possession and limited Argentina to two total shots, none on target. Argentina's Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time for a foul on Pau Cubarsi.
Goal Scorers
- Mikel Oyarzabal: 5 goals (team-leading scorer)
- Mikel Merino: 2 goals
- Pedro Porro: 2 goals
- Ferran Torres: 1 goal (scored the winning goal in the final)
Individual Awards
- Golden Ball: Rodri (Spain) – selected by the FIFA Technical Study Group.
- Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappe (France) – 10 goals, 4 assists.
- Golden Glove: Unai Simon (Spain) – conceded only 1 goal in 8 matches, recording 7 clean sheets.
- Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsi (Spain) – aged 19.
Award Selection Criteria
- Golden Ball: Chosen by the FIFA Technical Study Group.
- Golden Boot: Awarded to the player with the most goals; tie-breaks resolved by assists, then fewest minutes played.
- Golden Glove: Chosen by the FIFA Technical Study Group.
- Best Young Player: Awarded to the best player meeting FIFA's age criteria.
Coaching
Luis de la Fuente served as head coach. His contract was extended until 2028.
Upcoming Tournament
The 2030 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted in part by Spain.