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2026 FIFA World Cup
Spain's persistence pays off to win 2026 World Cup as Messi, Argentina exit quietly
So that's it! The 2026 World Cup is over and Spain have been crowned champions. Here's how they won it, how Argentina lost it, and everything in-between.
ANP via Getty Images
In a tournament dominated by superstars, Spain's team ethos won the World Cup
Marcotti: Messi offered 'nothing' in World Cup final
1:26
Burley hails Spain's game-changing subs as key to World Cup win
0:44
Madrid erupts at full time as Spain crowned World Cup champions
0:18
Argentina fans in tears after World Cup final defeat to Spain
1:19
The 'ESPN FC' crew debates Rodri vs. Messi for World Cup's best player
2:08
Burley absolutely disgusted by Argentina's World Cup final performance
1:02
Scenes in Spain as Ferran Torres scores extra-time opener in World Cup final
1:03
Burley: England had 30 bad minutes, Argentina had 100
1:02
Top Headlines
The end of an era?
Messi played poorly in the World Cup final: So what? He's still the GOAT and will be remembered as such
Maja Hitij/FIFA via Getty Images
Messi, Scaloni got the most they could out of this Argentina team, but it's time for change
Recapping the World Cup
We thought this would be a World Cup like no other. We were right, as it inspired and incensed
Tom Weller/picture alliance
World Cup's best and most disappointing XIs, from Messi to Pulisic
Taking a closer look
Laurens calls for lengthy ban for Paredes' full-time behaviour
1:10
Steve McManaman calls out Argentina's 'cheating' after World Cup loss
1:06
Focus on FIFA
Burley: We shouldn't forget immoral decisions made by FIFA
1:22
Infantino's epic World Cup tour: FIFA president clocked up over 65,000 miles
Transfer Talk
Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal eye shock move for ex-Man City defender Stones
Getty
Onuoha: Morgan Rogers joining Chelsea is Alonso's statement of intent
1:06
Real Madrid stars shine
Real Madrid 'win' World Cup with more goals scored than any other club
Guillermo Martinez/NurPhoto via Getty Images
World Cup fun
World's most remote World Cup final watch parties, from Antarctica to 'Mars of the mid-Atlantic'
ESPN
What's in an emote? Analyzing 747 gestures during the World Cup group stage
England outlast France
No one wanted to play, but England helped deliver a third-place match to treasure
ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images
We got a Scorigami! How England's 6-4 win vs. France made World Cup history
Top Headlines
- Torres fires Spain past Argentina for 2nd WC title
- Messi in tears, future unclear after WC final loss
- France's Mbappé wins Golden Boot ahead of Messi
- Rodri wins Golden Ball as Spain dominate awards
- Scaloni to mull over Argentina future after WC loss
- Spain WC champ Capdevila gets into U.S. for final
- Human rights body questions World Cup integrity
- Sources: Chelsea agree $157M Rogers deal
- 📱 Top reaction to Spain's second World Cup win
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2026 World Cup Stock Watch: Which players starred?
The FIFA World Cup is into the semifinals, but which players have impressed and which have struggled during both tournaments?
- John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images
Projecting the USMNT 2030 World Cup roster: 30 players to rep the U.S. in four years
The tears are barely dry from the USMNT's 2026 World Cup exit, but the page immediately turns to the 2030 World Cup. Here's who could represent the U.S. in four years.
- Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup: Diomande, Freeman, Manzambi, more
The 2026 World Cup will be remembered for how all the superstars showed up and dominated, but we've also had a few young talents breaking though. Here are four of the best we'll remember going into the 2026-27 season.
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The Dream Factory: Inside the 'cruel' system behind Argentina's soccer empire
An investigation into Argentina's soccer system that produced the defending World Cup champions found that it is rife with exploitation.
Legends chasing milestones
- (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo goal tracker: Road to 1,000 career goals
With Cristiano Ronaldo on the quest to score 1,000 goals, ESPN provides goal-by-goal analysis of the Portuguese superstar's quest.
- Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
Messi tracker: Goals, assists, key moments in 2026
ESPN provides game-by-game analysis of Lionel Messi's performances for Inter Miami and Argentina.
