Spain takes top World Cup honors as Mbappe wins Golden Boot
Spain claimed the 2026 World Cup and three major individual awards, while France’s Kylian Mbappe finished as the tournament’s leading scorer.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Spain followed its 2026 World Cup title by collecting several of the tournament’s biggest individual awards, underlining the depth of the team that beat Argentina in the final. France forward Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot after finishing as the competition’s top scorer, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute. Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that Spain had controlled much of the match before Torres broke through in front of 80,000 spectators.
“It was a goal scored by 47 million people – it wasn’t even mine or from the 26 players. It was destined to happen; it was meant to be a winner,” Torres said after the match, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.
Mbappe tops the scoring chart
Mbappe won the Golden Boot with 10 goals and four assists, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. The France captain scored twice in the third-place match against England, which England won 6-4.
The award was Mbappe’s second Golden Boot, which Al Jazeera and Reuters described as a record. They also reported that the 27-year-old now has 22 World Cup goals, the most in tournament history.
Lionel Messi finished second in the scoring race with eight goals and four assists for Argentina. England’s Jude Bellingham and Norway’s Erling Haaland each scored seven goals, while France’s Ousmane Dembele and England’s Harry Kane each had six.
Rodri named best player
Spain midfielder Rodri received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. He did not score or assist in Spain’s eight matches, but he led the tournament in completed passes, distance covered and player involvements, they reported.
Rodri also played a central role in restricting Messi’s involvement during the final, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. Messi received the Silver Ball, and Mbappe took the Bronze Ball.
Simon and Cubarsi add to Spain’s awards
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon won the Golden Glove after recording seven clean sheets, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. That total was two more than the previous single-tournament World Cup record.
Simon, 29, now has nine World Cup clean sheets in his career, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. That leaves him one behind the record of 10 shared by former France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Spain defender Pau Cubarsi was named Best Young Player. Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that Cubarsi stood out across the tournament and in the final, earning recognition ahead of teammate Lamine Yamal.
Before the final, former United States forward Tobin Heath told Al Jazeera that Cubarsi was “the most incredible name” among young players who had caught her attention. Heath cited his minutes, effectiveness and role in Spain’s defence.
Netherlands win Fair Play award
The Netherlands received the FIFA Fair Play Award after collecting only three yellow cards during the tournament, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. It was the eighth team to win the award.
The Dutch had entered the World Cup as favourites in Group F, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. Their campaign ended in the round of 32, where Morocco beat them 3-2 on penalties.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.