Spain defeats Argentina to win 2026 World Cup final hosted by the United States

Spain defeated Argentina in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Al Jazeera reported. The match took place after a tournament that expanded to 48 teams for the first time. The United States co-hosted the event and staged the final.

A ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran had been agreed on the eve of the competition. Hostilities resumed after Iran exited at the group stage. Cape Verde, appearing in its first World Cup, drew with Spain and Uruguay while forcing Argentina into extra time in one match.

Sidny Lopes Cabral scored Cape Verde's second goal against Argentina. FIFA suspended the red card shown to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun for a one-year probationary period. Balogun received the card during the United States' 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.

U.S. President Donald Trump had urged FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the case. The United States later lost 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16. Belgium's football association, Europe's top football body, a former FIFA president and multiple former players criticized the suspension of the red card.

Argentina used heavy challenges early in the semifinal and final that went unsanctioned. Mexico recorded its first World Cup knockout-stage win in 40 years. Four deaths occurred in crowd crushes in Mexico after that victory.

Canada reached the round of 16. The final included a hydration break in the second half. U.S. President Donald Trump was greeted by Spain's captain Rodri ahead of the trophy lift. Lionel Messi and President Trump dominated headlines during the tournament, Al Jazeera reported.