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Spain and Argentina have long been among football's great rivals, and both went into this World Cup as sides with something to prove: Spain as reigning European and Olympic champions building a reputation for stylish, patient football, Argentina as the team chasing a further title to add to their recent World Cup and Copa América successes. The final in New Jersey, played as part of the United 2026 tournament hosted across the US, Mexico and Canada, was the culmination of a month-long competition and the most-watched match in the sport.

Key figures include Spain's captain Rodri, a Manchester City midfielder who lifted the trophy, forward Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal, and goalkeeper Unai Simon, whose saves throughout the tournament made him a standout performer. Eighteen-year-old winger Lamine Yamal has emerged in recent seasons as one of Spain's brightest young talents. Argentina's squad included midfielder Enzo Fernández, a regular in their recent title-winning teams.

The result matters because it cements Spain's status as the dominant force in the sport, with their men's team now holding the World Cup alongside European, Olympic and women's world titles at the same time, an achievement no nation has managed before. It also extends a long unbeaten run for the team and adds to an ongoing debate in football about contrasting styles of play, with some sides favouring possession and technical football and others prioritising physicality and disruption.