The FIFA World Cup 2026 has come to an end, with Spain crowned world champions for the second time in their history after defeating Argentina 1–0 in the final. In this article, we look back at the main takeaways from more than a month of football in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
For Spain, the 2026 FIFA World Cup title was their second in history. Their first came in 2010, when Andrés Iniesta scored in extra time to secure a 1–0 victory over the Netherlands. Now, 16 years later, Ferran Torres became the extra-time hero.
FIFA World Cup-winning nations
Only eight different countries have won the FIFA World Cup. Spain have now joined the group of two-time world champions.
- Five-time world champions: Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
- Four-time world champions: Germany (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014), Italy (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006)
- Three-time world champions: Argentina (1978, 1986, 2022)
- Two-time world champions: France (1998, 2018), Uruguay (1930, 1950), Spain (2010, 2026)
- One-time world champions: England (1966)
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Golden Ball
Spain defensive midfielder Rodri won the Golden Ball as the best player at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 30-year-old was the most important part of Spain’s well-oiled machine, connecting the tournament’s strongest defence – Spain conceded only one goal – with its most fluid attacking play. A true captain!
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winners
- 2026 – Rodri (Spain)
- 2022 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- 2018 – Luka Modrić (Croatia)
- 2014 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- 2010 – Diego Forlán (Uruguay)
- 2006 – Zinedine Zidane (France)
- 2002 – Oliver Kahn (Germany)
- 1998 – Ronaldo (Brazil)
- 1994 – Romário (Brazil)
- 1990 – Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)
- 1986 – Diego Maradona (Argentina)
- 1982 – Paolo Rossi (Italy)
The Golden Ball has officially been awarded at the FIFA World Cup since the 1982 tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Golden Boot
France striker Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot as the leading goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 27-year-old Real Madrid star scored ten goals in eight matches during the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA World Cup 2026 top goalscorers
- Kylian Mbappé (France) – 10 goals
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 8 goals
- Jude Bellingham (England) – 7 goals
- Erling Braut Haaland (Norway) – 7 goals
Kylian Mbappé also became the leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. He has now scored 22 goals in 22 matches across three tournaments, one more than Lionel Messi.
All-time FIFA World Cup top goalscorers
- Kylian Mbappé (France) – 22 goals in 22 matches
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 21 goals in 34 matches
- Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals in 24 matches
- Ronaldo (Brazil) – 15 goals in 19 matches
- Gerd Müller (Germany) – 14 goals in 13 matches
- Harry Kane (England) – 14 goals in 18 matches
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Golden Glove
Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 29-year-old Athletic Club goalkeeper was a rock throughout the tournament. He conceded only once – in the quarter-final against Belgium – and kept seven clean sheets, setting a new record for a single FIFA World Cup.
Simón was also Spain’s goalkeeper at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he kept two clean sheets. He now has nine clean sheets in 12 FIFA World Cup matches. Only England’s Peter Shilton, with ten clean sheets in 17 matches, and France’s Fabien Barthez, also with ten in 17, have recorded more.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – FIFA Young Player Award
Spain centre-back Pau Cubarsí received the FIFA Young Player Award at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 19-year-old FC Barcelona player, who is only five months older than fellow young superstar Lamine Yamal, started every match for Spain and helped establish the tournament’s strongest defence.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – FIFA Fair Play Trophy
The Netherlands received the FIFA Fair Play Trophy as the most disciplined team at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Despite being eliminated by Morocco on penalties in the round of 32, the Netherlands received no red cards and only three yellow cards across four matches, committing just 41 fouls in total.
How to bet responsibly
- Do not bet based on emotion
- Manage your budget carefully
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- Enjoy the football – the sport itself is what matters most
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Although the FIFA World Cup is over for now, top-level football will return in less than a month when Europe’s leading domestic leagues kick off in mid-August.
They will also provide excellent opportunities to enjoy sports betting, with plenty of matches, countless markets, excitement and memorable moments to discuss.
A good strategy, thorough analysis and a responsible approach can turn every match throughout the season into an experience worth enjoying.
Ahead of the new club season, make sure to keep an eye on OlyBet’s sports betting section, where you can find great special offers throughout the year that you will not want to miss.
FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQ
Who won the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Spain won the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Argentina 1–0 in the final thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres.
Who was the best player at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Spain midfielder Rodri won the adidas Golden Ball as the best player at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Who was the leading goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
France’s Kylian Mbappé won the adidas Golden Boot after scoring ten goals.
Who was the best goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón won the adidas Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
