Spain wins 2026 World Cup, Rodri lifts trophy after Trump escorted off field

Updated: July 21, 2026

Rodri lifts the World Cup at Spain's trophy celebrations in Madrid. (Anadolu via Getty Images)

By Dermot Corrigan, Pol Ballús, Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai

As Spain celebrated winning the World Cup, captain Rodri fell to his knees in tears.

The 30-year-old was understandably exhausted after a fine performance at the heart of midfield, controlling the game in New Jersey against an aggressive but outclassed Argentina side. “Football won,” was how Toni Kroos, the former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder, put it.

Moments earlier, Nahuel Molina had taken a swipe at Rodri as the substituted midfielder ran onto the field with his teammates at the final whistle. Tensions briefly boiled over when Leandro Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat — one of several ugly reactions from the beaten finalists.

But the joy returned as players and their loved ones celebrated Spain winning their second World Cup title, 16 years after their first in South Africa.

U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino handed the trophy to Rodri, who waited for Trump to be ushered away. Mikel Merino tried to catch Trump’s attention by imitating his dancing. The president lingered as Rodri finally lifted the trophy, until Infantino collected him. Spain’s social media team chose a celebratory shot without Trump when posting to their platforms.

Players danced arm in arm, draped in the flags of their home regions. Lamine Yamal and his three-year-old half-brother Keyne — who captured hearts during the tournament — played with the trophy. Pedri carried on a long-held tradition of taking a penalty kick against his father Fernando.

Lamine Yamal with his half-brother Keyne during the celebrations. (Maja Hitij – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Spain’s celebrations were long, ecstatic and deserved — Luis de la Fuente’s team were by far the best at this World Cup. They conceded just one goal, never went behind, and dominated possession and territory against all eight opponents they faced.

So, how did “football win”?

The Athletic spoke to multiple sources with knowledge of Spain’s campaign, who all spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect their positions, to understand how a complete belief in their way of playing and an unbreakable faith in each other made them world champions again.

A Record of Redemption

Spain’s record at the World Cup since their victory in 2010 had been poor:

• 2014 (Brazil): Exited in the group stages
• 2018 (Russia): Lost on penalties in the first knockout round against the hosts
• 2022 (Qatar): Lost on penalties at the same stage against Morocco

Yet this squad entered the finals with real confidence — buoyed by a long run of great results under De la Fuente and their European Championship victory in Germany two years ago.

There was an awareness that a group including World Cup debutants Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay gave the team a chance to ease into the tournament. It allowed players who had suffered injury-affected seasons — especially wingers Yamal and Nico Williams — to build up their fitness.

Spain were lethargic in their opener against Cape Verde, who defended superbly in a goalless draw in Atlanta that made a hero of 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha. De la Fuente’s side dominated possession but could not break through.

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