Spain triumphed over Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final, with standout performances from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. Here are the player ratings.
New Delhi, India Jul 20, 2026 ALN: Spain have won the World Cup after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Spanish national team, adding to their previous successes in international . Spain's triumph in this World Cup final not only highlights their resurgence as a dominant force in but also underscores the evolution of their playing style and tactical approach since their last World Cup victory in 2010.
The final was held in New Jersey, a location that has hosted numerous high-profile ing events, including World Cup matches in the past. The atmosphere was electric as fans from both nations filled the stadium, creating a vibrant backdrop for what was anticipated to be a thrilling encounter between two ing giants.
BBC journalist Neil Johnston provided an assessment of player performances, which reflects the pivotal moments and contributions made by key individuals on the pitch. The ratings not only serve as a reflection of the players' performances but also provide insight into the strategies employed by both teams during the match.
Starting XI
Unai Simon: The Spanish goalkeeper had a mixed game, displaying both vulnerability and resilience. His early decision to charge out of the box nearly led to a critical mistake, but he quickly recovered to help maintain Spain's clean sheet. His performance was crucial in securing Spain's first World Cup triumph since 2010, earning him a rating of 7.
Marc Cucurella: The left-back was instrumental in both defense and attack, pushing forward to support offensive plays. His first-half attempt, which narrowly missed the target, showcased his intent and ability to contribute to Spain's attacking threat. He received a rating of 7.
Aymeric Laporte: A stalwart in the Spanish defense throughout the tournament, Laporte's presence was felt once again in the final. His performance helped Spain achieve a remarkable seventh clean sheet in eight matches, solidifying his reputation as a key defensive player. His rating reflects his consistent excellence, earning him a 7.
Pau Cubarsi: A calm and composed figure in defense, Cubarsi's ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball effectively was crucial to Spain's strategy. His record of completing over 100 passes in a World Cup final illustrates his importance to the team, earning him a rating of 8.
Pedro Porro: Following a strong semi-final performance, Porro continued to impress in the final. His involvement in the build-up to the winning goal demonstrated his capability to influence key moments in the game. He was rated 7.
Fabian Ruiz: Operating in the midfield, Ruiz worked tirelessly to disrupt Argentina's attempts to control the game. His efforts were pivotal in helping Spain dominate the midfield battle, earning him a solid rating of 7.
Rodri: As the captain, Rodri's leadership on the pitch was evident. His controlled performance in midfield helped Spain maintain their composure and tactical discipline throughout the match, earning him a rating of 7.
Alex Baena: The forward's relentless work rate and ability to create problems for the Argentine defense were notable. His contributions were essential in maintaining pressure on Argentina, and he was rated 7.
Dani Olmo: Olmo's creativity and ability to generate scoring opportunities were on full display. His performance played a significant role in Spain's attacking strategy, earning him a rating of 7.
Lamine Yamal: At just 19 years old, Yamal made headlines by becoming a World Cup winner. He had the first chance of the final, showcasing his potential and composure under pressure. His performance earned him a rating of 7.
Mikel Oyarzabal: As Spain's leading scorer in the tournament, Oyarzabal's influence was expected, but he was kept quiet for much of the final. Nevertheless, his contributions throughout the tournament were invaluable, and he received a rating of 7.
Substitutes
Pedri (62 mins): The young midfielder brought fresh energy to the side upon his introduction, helping to maintain Spain's momentum. He was rated 7.
Ferran Torres (62 mins): Torres made an immediate impact by injecting pace into Spain's play. His quick reactions in extra time led to the decisive goal, earning him a rating of 8.
Nico Williams (75 mins): Williams had a significant impact as a substitute, demonstrating his skill and ability to create chances. His contributions were vital in the lead-up to the winning goal, earning him a remarkable rating of 9.
Mikel Merino (75 mins): Merino continued to prove his worth as a reliable substitute, contributing to Spain's overall performance. He received a rating of 6.
Eric Garcia (99 mins): Garcia's late introduction in extra time saw him work hard to maintain Spain's defensive solidity. He was rated 6.
Martin Zubimendi (99 mins): Zubimendi's role was to ensure stability as Spain closed out the match, and he was rated 6.
Starting XI
Emiliano Martinez: The Argentine goalkeeper was called into action several times, making a crucial save to deny Lamine Yamal's free-kick late in normal time. His performance was commendable, earning him a rating of 6.
Nicolas Tagliafico: Tagliafico played a vital role in Argentina's defense, frustrating Spain's attacks for significant portions of the match. He received a rating of 6.
Lisandro Martinez: Unfortunately, Martinez's game was cut short due to injury, limiting his ability to impact the match. He was rated 5.
Cristian Romero: Romero's defensive efforts were crucial in keeping Spain's top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal quiet, but he faced challenges throughout the match and received a rating of 6.
Gonzalo Montiel: Montiel demonstrated good reactions to prevent a goal from a low cross, showcasing his defensive skills. He was rated 6.
Nico Gonzalez: Gonzalez was replaced at halftime after Argentina struggled to register any attempts in the first half, earning him a rating of 5.
Alexis Mac Allister: Mac Allister's performance was underwhelming, as he failed to make a significant impact and was fortunate to escape a booking. He was rated 5.
Enzo Fernandez: Fernandez's reckless challenge led to his dismissal, marking a critical turning point in the match as Argentina was reduced to ten men. His rating reflects this poor decision-making, earning him a 4.
Rodrigo De Paul: De Paul struggled to influence the game and was substituted midway through the second half, receiving a rating of 5.
Julian Alvarez: Alvarez, expected to be a key player, failed to assert himself in the match, resulting in a disappointing performance rated at 5.
Lionel Messi: For many, this final could have been Messi's last World Cup appearance. Unfortunately for the Argentine legend, he struggled to break through Spain's defense and finished the tournament with eight goals, two shy of Kylian Mbappé's tally. His performance earned him a rating of 6.
Substitutes
Nicolas Otamendi (41 mins): Otamendi's introduction aimed to stabilize the defense after Martinez's injury, but he faced challenges as the match progressed, receiving a rating of 5.
Leandro Paredes (46 mins): Paredes had a tumultuous time on the pitch, quickly receiving a booking and becoming involved in post-match altercations, resulting in a low rating of 3.
Nahuel Molina (50 mins): Molina's contributions were limited as Argentina struggled to find their rhythm, earning him a rating of 5.
Facundo Medina (70 mins): Medina was unable to make a significant impact as Argentina faced mounting pressure, receiving a rating of 4.
Giovanni Simeone (70 mins): Simeone's introduction failed to change the game's dynamics, and he was unable to make an impact, earning a rating of 4.
Marcos Senesi (102 mins): Senesi's late appearance could not alter the course of the match, and he was rated 4.
This World Cup final not only serves as a testament to Spain's ing prowess but also raises questions about Argentina's future, especially considering the performance of their star players and the potential transition period ahead. As Spain celebrates their victory, the implications for both teams will resonate in the world of for years to come, shaping the narrative of international competitions and the development of ing talent in both nations.
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