Spain’s victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has rewritten football history, adding a second star to La Roja’s badge and updating the list of World Cup champions dating back to the inaugural tournament in 1930.
Spain became the latest nation to lift football’s biggest prize after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, ending Argentina’s hopes of retaining the title and giving Spain its second World Cup crown.
The result means only eight countries have won the FIFA World Cup since the competition began in Uruguay in 1930. Brazil remains the tournament’s most successful nation with five titles, followed by Germany and Italy with four each. Argentina stays on three championships, while Spain moves level with France and Uruguay on two World Cup victories.
FIFA World Cup winners (1930–2026)
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1930 | Uruguay |
| 1934 | Italy |
| 1938 | Italy |
| 1950 | Uruguay |
| 1954 | West Germany |
| 1958 | Brazil |
| 1962 | Brazil |
| 1966 | England |
| 1970 | Brazil |
| 1974 | West Germany |
| 1978 | Argentina |
| 1982 | Italy |
| 1986 | Argentina |
| 1990 | West Germany |
| 1994 | Brazil |
| 1998 | France |
| 2002 | Brazil |
| 2006 | Italy |
| 2010 | Spain |
| 2014 | Germany |
| 2018 | France |
| 2022 | Argentina |
| 2026 | Spain |
The World Cup has been held every four years since 1930, with the exceptions of 1942 and 1946, when the tournament was cancelled because of World War II. Over nearly a century, the competition has produced some of football’s greatest moments, from Brazil’s dominance in the Pele era to Diego Maradona inspiring Argentina in 1986 and Spain’s possession-based team winning its first title in 2010.
Spain’s latest triumph places the European side among the sport’s most decorated national teams. Their victory also ended Argentina’s reign as world champions, ensuring the famous FIFA World Cup trophy has a new home for the next four years.
