Rodri, Mbappe, Simon, Cubarsi headline FIFA World Cup 2026 award winners
New Jersey, July 20
Spain midfielder Rodri, goalkeeper Unai Simon and defender Pau Cubarsi were among the biggest individual award winners at the FIFA World Cup 2026, while France captain Kylian Mbappe claimed the Golden Boot after another prolific campaign.
Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player after orchestrating Spain's midfield throughout their successful World Cup campaign. His composure, leadership and control proved instrumental as La Roja lifted their second FIFA World Cup title.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon received the Golden Glove after playing a key role in his side's title-winning run. Spain conceded just one goal during the tournament, while Simon also set a World Cup record by going 650 consecutive minutes without conceding.
Teenage defender Pau Cubarsi was named the FIFA Young Player Award winner after producing a series of composed performances at the heart of Spain's defence. The 19-year-old helped Spain register the fewest goals conceded by a World Cup-winning side, with La Roja allowing just one goal en route to the title.
France captain Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament's leading scorer with 10 goals in eight matches. In doing so, he became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot in consecutive editions and extended his record as the leading goalscorer in the history of the men's FIFA World Cup with 22 career goals.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands were honoured with the FIFA Fair Play Award in recognition of their discipline and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Spain clinched their second FIFA World Cup title after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Mbappe winning Golden Boot again is no surprise, but honestly? I feel a bit sad for players like Messi or Ronaldo - they never got this level of support from their teams in their prime. Mbappe is lucky to have such a strong France setup around him. And 10 goals in a single World Cup? That's just insane numbers! 🤯
As someone who watched every match, I think Cubarsi at just 19 years old winning Young Player Award is the most impressive stat here. That kid played like a veteran! Spain's defense was literally a fortress - only one goal conceded in the entire tournament? That's insane even by World Cup standards. 👏
That Spain vs Argentina final was such a nail-biter! Ferran Torres scoring the winner in extra time - what a moment! But I have to say, Argentina were unlucky to face this Spanish machine. Meanwhile, India needs to learn from how Spain builds their youth system... and maybe from Cubarsi's example! 😅
Fair play to Netherlands winning the Fair Play Award - they played attractive, clean football throughout. But I'm slightly disappointed that someone like Bellingham or Musiala didn't get more recognition. The Young Player Award could have gone to a few other brilliant youngsters too. Still, congratulations to all the winners!
This World Cup showed why football is the beautiful game! 🌟 Rodri's calmness, Simon's heroics, Cubarsi's maturity beyond his years - Spain truly played like a team, not just individuals. And Mbappe breaking records again? Some
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