The story so far
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Tracked across 8 sources · Updated 8h ago
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rodri won Golden Ball, Kylian Mbappe won consecutive Golden Boots, and Enzo Fernandez was sent off. Post-match reactions included Messi's future uncertainty and FIFA investigations.
How it unfolded
6d ago
Infantino faces calls to resign after controversy
21 Jul 2026
FIFA investigates Argentina's Falklands banner
20 Jul 2026
Messi's future uncertain after final defeat
20 Jul 2026
Shakira and BTS perform first World Cup halftime show
20 Jul 2026
Rodri wins Golden Ball; Mbappe earns Golden Boot
19 Jul 2026
Spain beats Argentina 1-0 to win World Cup
19 Jul 2026
Argentina reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez red card
What happened earlier
Latest updates
Latest
Full story →Slavko Vincic, Who Officiated FIFA World Cup Final, Announces Retirement
Slavko Vincic has retired from refereeing.
Vincic officiated the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina.
Vincic is a Slovenian referee.
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 · 20 Jul 2026
Full story →Messi fails to influence World Cup final
Lionel Messi lost the World Cup, Golden Ball, and Golden Boot in the 2026 final against Spain.
Messi failed to influence the game, touching the ball minimally until after the first hydration break.
MetLife Stadium in New York hosted the final, where Messi had lost the 2016 Copa America final.
Messi had driven Argentina to the final with eight goals and four assists in the tournament.
Spain won in extra time with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal.
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.