The story so far
2026 FIFA World Cup Final
Tracked across 8 sources · Updated 5h ago
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Rodri won Golden Ball, Kylian Mbappe won back-to-back Golden Boots, and Enzo Fernandez was sent off. The event included a first-ever halftime show with Shakira and BTS, and post-match controversies involving Argentina's Falklands banner.
How it unfolded
6d ago
Blatter and Tebas call for Infantino to resign
21 Jul 2026
FIFA probes Argentina's Falklands banner
20 Jul 2026
Scaloni hints at future after defeat
20 Jul 2026
First-ever halftime show by Shakira and BTS
20 Jul 2026
Rodri wins Golden Ball, Simón Golden Glove
19 Jul 2026
Mbappe wins Golden Boot with 10 goals
19 Jul 2026
Spain wins World Cup 1-0 over Argentina
19 Jul 2026
Enzo Fernandez sent off in extra time
What happened earlier
Latest updates
Latest
Full story →FIFA probes Infantino letter to Argentina after World Cup
Gianni Infantino wrote a leaked letter to Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia after Argentina finished runners-up in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The letter congratulates Argentina on winning the silver medal and praises the team's professionalism, despite FIFA investigating the squad's behaviour after the final against Spain.
Infantino's tone in the letter is warm, contradicting the ongoing disciplinary case against Lionel Messi's side.
The letter was first leaked by Argentine media and confirmed by the Daily Mail.
Infantino commended the work of coach Lionel Scaloni, players, staff, and fans for contributing to the tournament's success.
Earlier · 19 Jul 2026
Full story →Late drama! Enzo Fernandez sent off as Argentina reduced to 10 men before extra time
Argentina played extra time with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in the 93rd minute for a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.
The 2026 World Cup final was goalless after 90 minutes, with Spain dominating possession (15 shots, 9 corners) and Argentina registering zero shots.
Emiliano Martinez made a record 10 saves in the final to keep Argentina level, including a key stop against Lamine Yamal's free-kick after the red card.
Earlier · 19 Jul 2026
Full story →Mbappe Sets World Cup Goal and Assist Record
Kylian Mbappe recorded 10 goals and 4 assists in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
France finished fourth in the tournament.
His combined goal and assist total surpasses Pele's previous record.
Earlier · 20 Jul 2026
Full story →FIFA World Cup 2026: Shakira, BTS Make History at First-Ever Halftime Show in New York
Shakira and BTS performed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show in New York.
The halftime show was the first-ever in FIFA World Cup history.
The performance took place during the final match between Spain and Argentina.
Earlier · 20 Jul 2026
Full story →Rodri Wins World Cup Golden Ball Over Messi
Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball despite scoring zero goals and zero assists in the tournament.
The Golden Ball award is given to the best player of the tournament, based on overall performance rather than just goals.
Lionel Messi, who had a strong World Cup campaign, did not win the award for the first time in his career.
Messi turned 39 in June 2025, making a 2030 World Cup appearance at age 43 unlikely for an outfield player.
Rodri's defensive midfield role and consistent performances were key factors in his selection over Messi.