Spain’s World Cup victory a triumph of skill over scandal

For all the controversies, history will remember the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the dominance of Spain.

They were the best team team by far. They passed the ball to whoever found the open space between opponents. They “disappeared” the ball to keep it away from Mbappe, Messi and others. They only conceded one goal (by Belgium) in eight matches. (For context, 104 World Cup matches saw 308 goals, including 10 in England’s 6-4 bronze medal victory over France).

Late in the final, Spain had 20 attempts on goal to zero for Argentina. It was perhaps the most one-sided final in history. Spain could have won 3-0 if not for a goal disallowed by a phantom foul and a narrow offside call.

Spain are unbeaten in 38 games (29 wins, 9 draws) since losing 1-0 to Colombia in a friendly in London in March 2024. 

They have inspired millions of young people worldwide who wear Lamine Yamal jerseys or look like him. 

Many critics say that Spain’s victory saved the game of football from the gritty resilience and “dark arts” of Argentina, who survived scares involving Cabo Verde, Switzerland and England.

Over the course of the tournament, Spain became the favorite of fans of Croatia, Netherlands, Switzerland, England and other teams disappointed by controversial losses. 

Even US President Donald Trump, who previously lambasted Spain’s opposition to the US-Israel war with Iran, congratulated the Spanish players while awarding them gold medals and seeking to share their spotlight during the victory celebration in New Jersey.

Spain are one of the youngest World Cup champions ever; their average age of 26 is only slightly older than the sides from Brazil and Spain that won in 1958 and 2010. Spain could possibly field the same team to defend their titles at the Euros in 2028 and then the World Cup in 2030 to be held mainly in Spain, Portugal, Morocco.

Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi are 19. Gavi is 21. Pedri is 23. Alex Baena and Nico Williams are 24. Ferran Torres (who scored the winning goal versus Argentina) and Pedro Porro are only 26. Marc Cucurella and Martin Zubimendi are 27. Dani Olmo is 28. Mikel Oyarzabal and keeper Unai Simon are 29. Rodri (named the World Cup’s best player), Mikel Marino and Fabian Ruiz are only 30 years old. Center-back Aymeric Laporte, who is 32, might also be around. 

In addition, every kid in Spain will want to play for this team.

If they remain healthy, and win two Euros and two World Cups back-to-back, they could be considered the greatest team of all-time. 

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