Spain secured its second men's World Cup trophy by defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The victory capped a 48-team tournament that began on June 11.
Spanish forward Ferran Torres, 26, scored the only goal in the 106th minute after 90 minutes of scoreless regulation.
Spain became the first European nation to hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles simultaneously, having conceded just one goal across eight matches.
Manager Luis de la Fuente, 65, became the oldest coach to lead a team to a World Cup title.
Spain overtook Argentina for the top spot in the FIFA world rankings with 1,995.88 points, while Argentina dropped to second with 1,970.37 points.
Post-Match Brawls and FIFA Investigation
FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings and appointed an ethics prosecutor to assess post-match altercations involving several Argentina delegation members, including players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada, alongside assistant coach Roberto Ayala.
Paredes clashed with Gavi and Eric Garcia, Molina struck Rodri, and Ayala hit Dani Olmo.
A viral online petition titled "Argentina Out" demanded Argentina's ban from future World Cups, gathering 23,316,108 signatures from 170 countries.
Another petition seeking a match replay collected over 80,000 signatures.
Reactions from Spain Camp
"It was a goal scored by 47 million people," Ferran Torres told reporters after the match, praising the collective effort of the Spanish population.
Luis de la Fuente said in a press conference, "Accompanying them on this journey is an honor."
De la Fuente emphasized his team's tactical dominance, stating, "We were clearly superior in the final, and they did not take a single shot at our goal."
He noted that unexpected moments can alter high-stakes matches, referencing a clearance by Cubarsi that nearly rebounded into Spain's goal.
"Had Cubarsi's clearance in extra time rebounded off Unai Simon and gone into the goal, they could have won without a single shot on target.
Fortunately, that moment was dealt with well," De la Fuente explained.
Deflecting individual credit, De la Fuente said, "Luis de la Fuente's World Cup?
That makes me feel embarrassed, but I would like to remind everyone that this is the World Cup of a great national team."
Spain allowed only one goal across eight matches. "We faced only ten shots throughout the tournament.
But that goes back to having a defensive concept that was worked on and developed excellently," De la Fuente commented.
He highlighted the team's balanced statistics: "We have more than 100 goals across 50 matches, with a very small number of goals conceded.
It is a cooperative, generous team, with a carefully studied defensive organisation."
De la Fuente maintained complete confidence throughout the tournament. "Did any doubt cross your mind during the World Cup?
Never, not even in the first match. I do not follow what is said outside, and this gives me more calm," he asserted.
He praised the team's harmony during their 52-day camp. "Over the course of 52 days, not a single problem occurred.
And that is an extremely difficult thing."
Regarding tactical decisions, De la Fuente said, "We have an exceptional coaching staff that provides me with wonderful information.
And then, I believe there is a sixth sense that helps with everything."
He noted that unpredictable match events require adaptability while maintaining core principles. "You may set a certain plan, but the match might take you in a different direction.
That can happen because of an injury, a suspension, a sending-off, or a goal for or against you."
De la Fuente expressed satisfaction that Torres silenced external criticism with his performance. "Ferran has astonishing numbers with the national team, and the same applies to his club.
His goal ratio in every match is superb."
Comparing Euro 2024 to the World Cup, De la Fuente said, "They are two completely different tournaments. European football is familiar to us, and we understand it well.
As for the World Cup, it forces you to adapt in different ways and to face African and South American national teams."
Argentina's Response
Lionel Messi, 39, called the tournament a "beautiful journey" in a press conference after the loss. Messi scored eight goals during the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina President Javier Milei posted on social media, "Do you have enemies? It means you once defended something.
We defend Argentina." He added, "The problem with Argentina is that we stand out.
We don't go unnoticed, people are jealous of us, and we're good at almost everything."
Manager Lionel Scaloni tearfully said, "I feel sadness but knowing that we left everything out there."
He added, "I want to thank these guys eternally for giving us another World Cup final and for competing until the end.
They were better, that's the truth."
Organizers of the viral petition stated, "Over 23 million people from 170 countries signed this petition in under a week."
They concluded, "FIFA ignored us but Spain delivered. Thank you Spain."
The next men's World Cup is scheduled for 2030, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with special opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
FIFA is also planning a rescheduled Finalissima 2026 match between Spain and Argentina before the end of the year.
