FIFA World Cup 2026: Spanish Football Federation celebrates team's WC win, says "dreams do come true"
New Jersey, July 20
The Spanish Football Federation celebrated La Roja's FIFA World Cup 2026 victory as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final at New Jersey on Sunday, saying, "Dreams do come true."
Spain edged Argentina 1-0 after extra time, bringing an end to Lionel Messi's title defence and completing an impressive unbeaten campaign in which La Roja conceded just one goal in eight matches.
In a series of posts on X, the Spanish Football Federation celebrated the team's World Cup victory.
"Dreams do come true. Believe. Fight. Never stop. Because sometimes... football gives you everything," the federation said on X.
In another post, the Spanish Football Federation celebrated Spain's second FIFA World Cup title, hailing the team for becoming two-time world champions and cementing their place in football history, saying, "WE DID IT. World Champions. Twice. Forever part of football history."
In another post, the Federation hailed Spain's triumph, saying the team had written a new chapter in football history and made the dream a reality.
"WORLD CHAMPIONS. History has a new chapter... and it's written in Spanish. The dream is ours," the RFEF said.
In another post, it celebrated Spain's second World Cup title, saying the new star alongside the first made the national team's badge shine brighter than ever.
"Hello, second star. For 16 years, the first one carried our greatest memory. Now it has company. And our badge shines brighter than ever," the RFEF said.
The defeat signalled the end of a remarkable era for Argentina and Messi, who guided his country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024.
Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero of the final clash, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute with a powerful strike into the roof of the net beyond Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The triumph secured Spain's second men's FIFA World Cup title and their first since lifting the trophy in 2010. For 19-year-old Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, who was just three years old during Spain's maiden World Cup triumph, it marked the biggest achievement of his young career.
Having already won UEFA Euro 2024, Spain now hold both the European and world titles, raising hopes of another dominant era reminiscent of the team's historic run between 2008 and 2012, when they won two European Championships and the FIFA World Cup.
Although Yamal scored only once during the tournament, Spain's success was built on collective performances rather than individual brilliance. Midfielder Rodri controlled games in the middle of the park, Mikel Oyarzabal finished among the tournament's top scorers with five goals, while goalkeeper Unai Simon earned the Golden Glove after a series of standout displays.
Torres also entered the record books by becoming only the fifth substitute to score in a FIFA World Cup final and the first since Germany's Mario Gotze netted the winner against Argentina in the 2014 final. He also became just the second Barcelona player to score in a World Cup final after Andres Iniesta's extra-time winner for Spain in 2010.
Spain's road to the title began with a goalless draw against surprise package Cape Verde before convincing victories over Saudi Arabia (4-0) and Uruguay (1-0) secured top spot in Group H. They then defeated Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32, edged Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16, overcame Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals and beat France 2-0 in the semifinals.
In the final at New York New Jersey Stadium, Spain dominated possession and restricted Argentina to just one shot on target while registering 12 of their own. Argentina were also reduced to 10 men in extra time after Enzo Fernandez was sent off following two yellow cards, allowing Spain to see out the victory and reclaim the World Cup crown.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm actually sad to see Messi's era end like this. He gave us so many magical moments, and Argentina's 2022 win was one of the greatest stories in sports history. That said, Spain fully deserved this - they were the best team throughout the tournament. Only one goal conceded in eight matches is absolutely insane! 😮
Spain's style of play is just beautiful to watch. It's like they're playing a different sport - the patience, the passing, the control. Rodri was absolutely world-class in midfield, completely ran the show. And Unai Simon winning Golden Glove is well deserved. But honestly, I wish India could learn from their youth development system. We need to start investing in grassroots football if we ever want to compete at this level. 🇮🇳⚽
Ferran Torres coming off the bench to score the winner is just perfect. He's been so underrated this tournament. And that stat about being the first substitute to score in a World Cup final since 2014 is incredible. Spain's depth is ridiculous - they can bring on game-changers from the bench. The future of football is bright!
While I'm happy for Spain, I also feel for Argentina. Playing with 10 men for extra time was tough, and Enzo Fernandez's red card really changed the game. Messi deserved a better farewell, but that's football - sometimes it gives you everything and sometimes it breaks your heart. Still, what an incredible tournament! 🌟
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