Spain secured its second FIFA World Cup title on Sunday after defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 in the final held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The victory makes Spain the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s World Cup titles. The tournament spanned nearly six weeks and featured 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The 2026 tournament was the first to feature an expanded field of 48 teams, up from the previous 32. Organizers reported record-breaking attendance and viewership figures across North American markets. Notable sporting developments included several African nations advancing to the knockout rounds and the debut of several countries that had not qualified for the tournament in decades.
Despite initial concerns regarding the expanded format and logistical challenges, the event proceeded with several new features, including a sanctioned halftime show during the final and mandatory hydration breaks for all matches. U.S. performance highlights included victories over Australia and Bosnia-Herzegovina before the team was eliminated by Belgium in the round of 16.