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FIFA World Cup: Live coverage of the final between Spain and Argentina

They left it late, but Spain outmuscled Argentina to be crowned World Cup champions.

Chris Robinson
The West Australian
Spain celebrate their win.
Spain celebrate their win. Credit: Carl Recine/Getty Images

Soccer: It’s all on the line as Spain and Argentina do battle in the World Cup final.

World soccer’s two top-ranked sides meet in a mouth-watering decider in New Jersey, with the winner set to hoist the trophy to cap what has been a memorable tournament.

Lionel Messi will be looking to lead Argentina to a second straight triumph after their win in 2022 - a feat last achieved by Brazil across 1958 and 1962. The match may also serve as a World Cup swansong for the 39-year-old legend.

On the other side of the coin, 2010 champions Spain will be desperate to replicate their midfield domination that led them past tournament favourites France in a 2-0 semifinal result.

Follow all the action below, with kick-off set for 3am (WA time).

Chris Robinson

Wrapping up

That concludes our live coverage of today’s final!

Thanks for joining us - and we’ll have plenty more wash-up from today’s match up on site shortly.

Chris Robinson

History made

As Spain’s players do a slow lap around the packed stadium to share the triumph with their fans, let’s take in what it means.

It’s a second World Cup prize for Spain following their 2010 victory in South Africa. Two finals, two trophies. That’s efficiency.

For Argentina, today represents a missed opportunity to become the first nation since Brazil all the way back in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. Fair to say that’s extremely difficult to do, no matter how much of a footballing dynasty you put together.

Argentina walk off the pitch after the trophy ceremony.
Argentina walk off the pitch after the trophy ceremony. Credit: Getty Images
Chris Robinson

Spain hoist the cup!

It’s theirs!

After getting their medals, Spain’s players share in lifting the trophy to celebrate today’s emphatic victory.

They (almost) get Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino out of the frame before they do the honours.

Spain’s players celebrate.
Spain’s players celebrate. Credit: Getty Images
Chris Robinson

Messi takes it all in

There’s a powerful scene as Lionel Messi receives his runner-up medal, stands in front of the large contingent of Argentina fans, and soaks it all in.

He looks visibly emotional as he perhaps ponders his future.

If that’s it for Messi at World Cup level, what a superb run it’s been.

Lionel Messi gets his medal from US president Donald Trump.
Lionel Messi gets his medal from US president Donald Trump. Credit: Getty Images
Chris Robinson

Awards dished out

Spain have multiple players come to the stage to snare tournament awards.

Pau Cubarsi wins the Best Young Player prize, Unai Simon gets the Golden Glove award, and Rodri gets the Golden Ball for player of the tournament.

What a day for Spain!

Rodri with his prize.
Rodri with his prize. Credit: Getty Images
Chris Robinson

Trophy presentation

We’re about to get underway with the official presentations. Spain will get their chance to hoist the trophy imminently!

Chris Robinson

Argentina fallout

The biggest question that Argentina will face across the coming days, weeks and months: Was that the end of the line for Lionel Messi when it comes to the World Cup?

The veteran had a superb tournament, and had his fingerprints all over Argentina’s rise to the final.

But at 39, it will be fascinating to see how open he is about his future and the national team going forward.

Lionel Messi takes in the defeat.
Lionel Messi takes in the defeat. Credit: Getty Images
Chris Robinson

Spanish domination

Spain’s trophy is well and truly deserved.

Not just with their performance today, but across the whole tournament.

They conceded just one goal for that entire stretch. That came in their opening match against Cape Verde, remarkably, in the sole clash they didn’t win.

They left it late today, but no one could dispute their wares as they get ready to hoist the trophy.

Chris Robinson

Tension spills over

Sadly, there are some scenes of pushing and shoving between some players in the aftermath. Not what we need to see once the match has concluded.

Argentina will be ruing the fact that they didn’t show as much fight while the match was on. They were simply dominated and had no answer for Spain’s midfield domination.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Players scuffle after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Players scuffle after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images
Chris Robinson

SPAIN ARE CHAMPIONS!

That’s it!

It’s all over, and it’s Spain’s World Cup!

They add to their triumph from 2010 with this one today, and while it wasn’t pretty, they won’t care one bit.

An utterly dominant midfield display, and a Torres winner in the 106th minute.

There’s scenes of wild jubilation among the players and the Spanish fans in the crowd!

Lamine Yamal celebrates.
Lamine Yamal celebrates. Credit: Getty Images

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