Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in New Jersey to win the 2026 World Cup final, denying the defending champions the chance to retain their title. The closing stages turned contentious when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 90th minute for a late tackle on Pau Cubarsi, with four of his teammates also booked, while 19-year-old Lamine Yamal collected his first World Cup winner's medal. Lionel Messi and manager Lionel Scaloni were visibly emotional as they left the pitch following the defeat.

Coverage of the final focused as much on its surrounding spectacle as on the football itself, with US President Donald Trump's presence at the match becoming a major talking point. Broadcasters repeatedly captured crowd reactions whenever cameras cut to him during the game, and he went on to take a prominent role in Spain's trophy celebrations afterwards, a moment that drew widespread comment in the reaction to the final.