20.07.2026 11:30
In the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain defeated Argentina with a crucial goal from Ferran Torres, winning the World Cup for the second time. While achieving a historic success with this victory, the moments when Argentina's play became rough received widespread coverage in the international sports press.
In the breathtaking final of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, Spain defeated Argentina with a crucial goal by Ferran Torres in extra time, securing their second World Cup trophy.
THE GIANT FINAL IN THE WORLD PRESS
Under coach Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish team, following their 2023 Nations League, 2024 European Championship, and 2024 Olympic titles, marked a historic era with this victory. After the grand final, the international sports press harshly evaluated both teams' performances and the tension on the field.
Marca: Announcing the match under the headline "Rulers of All Time," the newspaper claimed that Argentina preferred to uglify the game rather than play football, writing that Spain deserved to add their second star with Torres' extra-time goal.
AS: Highlighting Spain's streak of major successes in recent years, it stated that this young generation is experiencing a historic golden age with consecutive trophies. It also noted that Argentine players engaged in brutal gameplay.
Mundo Deportivo: Stating that Spaniards will no longer only take solace in the 2010 victory, the newspaper reported that De la Fuente and his students wrote an unforgettable history against Lionel Messi's Argentina.
HARSH CRITICISMS FROM THE BRITISH PRESS: 'FOOTBALL AND SPORT WON'
The British media harshly criticized Argentina's attitude both on the field and after the match.
The Times: Emphasizing that Spain won with intelligent passing and disciplined tactics, it stated, "Argentina showed its true face not only with its roughness during the match but also with its ugly behavior after the final whistle."
The Telegraph: "It was necessary for football that Spain won this final. Sport won, and football breathed a sigh of relief with this result."
BBC: "With Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal in extra time and Rodri lifting the trophy in New Jersey, it is hard to imagine many sympathizing with Argentina."
Sky Sports & The Guardian: Praising Spain's unwavering football philosophy and game identity, they noted that Argentina failed to take a single shot on target throughout the match.
COMMON VIEW IN THE EUROPEAN PRESS: A DESERVED VICTORY
A Bola (Portugal): Stating that Argentina fell short of expectations and did not manage a single shot on goal for 117 minutes, it commented, "The unrecognizable champion disappointed."
Bild & Kicker (Germany): The German press noted that on one side was Spain's great joy, and on the other, the bitter tears of Messi and Argentina, writing that the trophy went entirely to the deserving side.
L'Equipe (France): Declaring that Spain competed without compromising their tempo and playing style, becoming the "Kings of Football."