Spain secured their second World Cup trophy, overcoming Argentina with a 1-0 victory. The final match, however, was overshadowed by numerous events both before and during the game, including a lengthy halftime show and heightened security measures.
The match itself saw Argentina deliver a defensive and ill-disciplined performance. Lionel Messi’s side failed to register a shot in normal time and did not have an effort on target throughout the entire 120 minutes of play. This display led to several instances of ill-discipline, with Enzo Fernandez receiving two yellow cards. Following the final whistle, Leandro Paredes was also sent off for his angry reaction, and Nahuel Molina confronted Spain players.
Despite the loss, Argentina’s national media rallied behind their team. Newspapers like Clarin, La Nacion, and Ole featured emotional images of Messi, with headlines expressing national pride and acknowledging the team’s effort, such as “They gave it their all, nothing to blame them for” and “May they be eternal.”
Celebrations and Controversies Surround Final
In contrast, Spain’s front pages were filled with joy, celebrating their second World Cup triumph. Headlines from publications like AS, El Periodico, ABC, and El Mundo proclaimed phrases such as “The world is ours,” “The world surrenders to Spain,” and called the team “invincible” and “superstars.” Some reports also noted Spain’s unbeaten streak in international football.
The final was marked by a series of high-profile events. A pre-kick-off speech was delivered by Tom Cruise, and the US president made an appearance. The match also featured fireworks before kick-off, during halftime, and after Spain’s trophy lift.
One of the most notable aspects was the extended halftime show, which lasted 27 minutes. This mini-concert featured performances from artists including Madonna and Justin Bieber. The reaction to the extended halftime show was mixed among fans, with former England striker Wayne Rooney describing it as “crap.”
The US president’s attendance at the final, his first match of the tournament, drew considerable attention. His arrival was visible to those in the stadium as he was in one of three helicopters that flew overhead before landing. He was seen taking his seat alongside Fifa president Gianni Infantino approximately 20 minutes before kick-off, just in time for the closing ceremony performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger. He was later shown the trophy during the first half.
Concerns were raised about the US president’s involvement in the trophy presentation. At the end of the final, he joined Infantino in handing out medals to both teams and lingered for the trophy presentation, though not as long as he had at a previous Club World Cup final. There were boos when he and Infantino emerged for the ceremony, and at least one Argentina player, Cristian Romero, appeared to bypass shaking his hand after receiving a medal from Infantino.
Security was significantly heightened for the event due to the US president’s presence, with the United States secret service overseeing arrangements. Gates for spectators opened four hours before kick-off, but long queues formed as bag checks were more thorough than in previous games. Despite initial congestion and some confusion over access gates for media, the game commenced without delays.
The 2026 World Cup final was co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, with the United States garnering much of the attention.
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Source: skysports.com
