2026 World Cup: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to win second title; over 1 million celebrate in Madrid

Spain Wins Second World Title

Spain is World Champion! The XXL tournament, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, has concluded. The Spanish national team secured their second World Cup title—following their 2010 victory—by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final.

All World Cup news, curiosities, and stories are compiled in this overview.

With the BILD.de live ticker, you always stay up to date.

Latest Updates

July 21, 2026

09:21 AM — Embolo Speaks Out After Dive Red Card

Breel Embolo (29) caused a stir during the World Cup. In the quarterfinal against Argentina, the Swiss striker was sent off for diving. Switzerland lost 1-3 after extra time while a man down.

Nine days after the bitter World Cup exit, Embolo reached out to his fans on Instagram:

"I needed some time to really process this defeat. I still lack the words to describe the disappointment I feel."

He added: "I sincerely hope that we made you proud during this World Cup. We gave everything for this jersey, for our country, and for all of you."

Embolo also shared various photos of himself and his teammates.

08:44 AM — World Champions Land in Madrid

Spain is football world champion for the second time. The stars, led by captain Rodri, were received in Madrid on Monday. The trophy now breathes Spanish air.

Source: AP | July 20, 2026

08:18 AM — What Did Cucurella Hide in the Grass?

The anthems had been played. Volunteers were carrying the giant flags of the final participants off the field. Players from Spain and Argentina were doing last warm-up exercises—when Marc Cucurella (27) slowly made his way to the sideline.

Upon reaching the sideline, he bent down, pretended to adjust his sock—and then apparently buried something in the grass.

Marc Cucurella (27) became world champion with Spain. Photo: Getty Images

02:53 AM — Thousands Welcome Argentina, But Messi Is Missing

Without their superstar Lionel Messi (39), the Argentine national team arrived at the airport in Buenos Aires. According to media reports, Messi flew to Miami after the World Cup final, which Argentina lost to Spain (0-1). Afterwards, Messi plans to travel to his Argentine hometown of Rosario for a few days.

The Argentine government prepared a "protocol reception" for the team at the airport, complete with a red carpet and honor guard. As the team left the plane, a regimental band struck up the song "Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar" ("Guys, Now We Have Hope Again"). The earworm had become the unofficial anthem of La Albiceleste during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The team then continued in an open bus to the nearby training ground of the AFA football association in Ezeiza. Thousands of fans waited along the roadside despite the rain. There were no further honors.

Photo: LUIS ROBAYO/AFP

July 20, 2026

10:32 PM — Madrid's Streets in Red and Yellow

More than a million people gave the freshly crowned Spanish football world champions a triumphant welcome in Madrid. During the parade in an open bus through the center of the metropolis, enthusiastic fans cheered their heroes, including Rodri and young star Lamine Yamal.

"I'm literally floating on cloud nine," said Ferran Torres, the scorer of the 1-0 winning goal in the final against Argentina, shortly before the start of the procession.

The players danced, sang, and repeatedly displayed the World Cup trophy. At Cibeles Square alone—where the big party was expected to reach its peak—around 120,000 people, mostly in red shirts, were waiting for the bus carrying "La furia roja" (the red fury), as the Spanish team is known, according to estimates by the capital's authorities.

Photo: Manu Fernandez/Europa Press/dpa

10:01 PM — FIFA Initiates Proceedings

Due to the incidents after the end of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, FIFA has launched an investigation. The disciplinary committee has taken corresponding steps, according to a statement cited by international media, including the news agency.