Spain won its second World Cup, defeating Argentina in extra time in the final of a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The victory closed an event that opened with a ceremony in Mexico featuring the singer Shakira and ended with Spain lifting the trophy on North American soil.

The final matched two of the sport's most familiar names. For Argentina, the match centered on Lionel Messi, whose 2022 triumph in Qatar had already secured his standing in the game's history. This time the outcome went the other way, and several outlets described the loss as a likely close to Messi's international career.

Spain's win capped a run built on possession and control. One Spanish midfielder completed nearly 700 passes across the tournament, a figure that drew attention as a marker of the team's style of play. The competition also produced a race for the Golden Boot, awarded to the tournament's top scorer, with Kylian Mbappé among the leaders as the final approached.

The World Cup carried a political dimension in both host and competing nations. In Spain, coverage noted how the national team's run drew broad support across a country long marked by regional and separatist tensions. In Argentina, police reported making 15 arrests following disturbances after the defeat.

Much of the surrounding attention in the United States focused on President Donald Trump, who presented the trophy at the final. In the days beforehand, Trump had exchanged public criticism with Spanish figures, and one Spanish player had expressed reluctance to shake his hand should Spain win. Trump ultimately presented the trophy to the Spanish team. He also said the United States should host the next tournament on its own, rather than sharing duties with Mexico and Canada. A CNBC survey found that the World Cup's television audience remained roughly bipartisan despite Trump's prominent role.

Argentine President Javier Milei drew notice for his handling of the moment, with one account describing his approach as an effort to keep the state at a distance from the stadium.

The tournament was also a financial event. FIFA, the sport's global governing body, reported revenues that observers placed at roughly $9 billion. Prize money was distributed to participating teams under FIFA's established formula. Assessments of the event's execution varied: some coverage judged the tournament a success for FIFA, the host nations and fans, while noting logistical shortcomings. Other commentary examined the effort to bring American-style presentation to the sport and the reception it received.

With the final complete, attention turned to the next edition and the question of how hosting duties will be arranged.

References

1. 1.General match coverage — Spain's extra-time win over Argentina in the final
2. 2.Tournament coverage — U.S., Mexico and Canada as co-hosts; opening ceremony in Mexico featuring Shakira
3. 3.Sports analysis — Messi's role, the possible end of his international career, and the Golden Boot race featuring Kylian Mbappé
4. 4.Spanish and Argentine coverage — national support amid regional tensions; 15 arrests after the defeat
5. 5.U.S. political coverage — Trump presenting the trophy, his remarks on future hosting, and prior public criticism with Spanish figures
6. 6.CNBC — survey on the roughly bipartisan television audience
7. 7.Argentine coverage — President Javier Milei's handling of the moment
8. 8.FIFA/financial coverage — revenues placed at roughly $9 billion and prize money distribution