The FIFA World Cup 2026 is complete. Spain won the tournament, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July 2026. This guide looks back at the tournament’s biggest storylines, its expanded format and the knockout run that decided the trophy.
FIFA World Cup 2026 at a glance
- Champions: Spain
- Runners-up: Argentina
- Third place: England
- Format: 48 teams and 104 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States
The expanded format meant more teams and more knockout football. FIFA’s final standings confirm Spain finished first, Argentina second and England third after the tournament concluded.
How Spain won the World Cup
Spain recovered from an opening draw with Cabo Verde and built momentum as the tournament progressed. In the knockout rounds, Spain beat Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France before defeating Argentina in the final. The final was decided in extra time, giving Spain their second men’s World Cup title.
Knockout moments that shaped the tournament
The Round of 32 and Round of 16 produced several tight contests, while the quarter-finals narrowed the field to France, Spain, England and Argentina. Spain beat Belgium 2-1 and France 2-0 before the final. Argentina’s route included wins over Cabo Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England.
For a match-by-match recap, read our FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout-stage results guide. You can also revisit the pre-tournament expectations in our 2026 World Cup top contenders analysis.
Why the 2026 format mattered
With 48 teams, the tournament gave more nations a place on football’s biggest stage and created a longer knockout pathway. The scale also made squad depth, recovery and tactical flexibility more important over the eight-match journey to the final.
Official results and standings
For the complete fixture list, results and final ranking, see FIFA’s official knockout-stage results and final standings.
FAQ
Who won the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Spain won the FIFA World Cup 2026, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final.
How many teams played at the 2026 World Cup?
Forty-eight teams played in the expanded tournament.
