The 2026 World Cup final saw Spain edge Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. This player ratings breakdown analyzes every key performer from the historic match.
Spain Player Ratings: Dominant Display
Spain controlled much of the game, with Rodri earning a 9/10 for his midfield mastery. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner bossed the center of the park, dictating tempo and breaking up attacks.
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Defensive Solidity
Unai Simón (7/10) was alert early after Pau Cubarsí’s mistake but otherwise had little to do. Pedro Porro (8/10) impressed despite his club’s relegation battle, while Aymeric Laporte (7/10) provided a steadying presence. Marc Cucurella (8/10) offered constant width and energy.
Midfield Control
Dani Olmo (8/10) was at the heart of Spain’s best moves, while Fabián Ruiz (7/10) showed clever movement. Pedri (8/10) and Mikel Merino (7/10) added depth off the bench.
Attack and Decisive Substitutions
Lamine Yamal (8/10) looked determined to claim his crown as Messi’s heir. Nico Williams (9/10) injected urgency and provided the assist for Torres. Ferran Torres (8/10) etched his name in history with a sublime extra-time finish.
Argentina Player Ratings: Frustrating Night
Emiliano Martínez (7/10) made key saves but couldn’t keep out Torres’ strike. Argentina struggled to create clear chances against Spain’s disciplined defense.
| Player | Rating | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Rodri (Spain) | 9 | Midfield dominance |
| Nico Williams (Spain) | 9 | Assist for winning goal |
| Pau Cubarsí (Spain) | 8 | Recovered from early error |
| Emiliano Martínez (Argentina) | 7 | Several crucial saves |
Key Takeaways from the Final
- Spain’s depth proved decisive with impactful substitutes
- Lamine Yamal continues his rise as a global superstar
- Rodri’s midfield control was unmatched
- Argentina lacked creativity without injured stars
- Ferran Torres delivered when it mattered most
FAQ
Who scored the winning goal in the 2026 World Cup final?
Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time for Spain.
What was the final score of Spain vs Argentina?
Spain won 1-0 after extra time.
Who was the best player in the 2026 World Cup final?
Rodri earned a 9/10 rating for his midfield performance, while Nico Williams also scored 9/10 for his game-changing impact off the bench.
This World Cup final player ratings analysis highlights Spain’s tactical superiority and Argentina’s resilience. For more football insights, explore our other articles.