Sixteen years after Andres Iniesta’s iconic extra-time strike in Johannesburg, Spain have reclaimed the pinnacle of global football. In a high-stakes FIFA World Cup 2026 final that pitted La Roja’s suffocating positional play against the reigning world champions, it was a tactical masterclass from Luis de la Fuente’s men that ultimately broke Argentine hearts. 

While Argentina struggled to find their rhythm, suffocated by Spain's relentless midfield rotations and disciplined defensive structure, it was a dramatic intervention from the bench that settled the grandest stage of all.

Striver.Football rates how every player rated as Spain secured their second World Cup title, courtesy of an unforgettable cameo from Ferran Torres.

Argentina

GK-Emi Martinez -9

Kept a frankly second-best Argentina side in the game, keeping the scoreline respectable with a string of excellent saves to deny Spain from killing the game earlier.

RB-Nahuel Molina -6

Did okay handling the threat of Alex Baena on the left as the winger tried to drift infield to create midfield overloads.

LB-Nicolas Tagliafico-8

Kept Lamine Yamal at bay for much of the game, and was probably Argentina’s best outfield player.

CB-Cristian Romero-6

Did well trying to keep Mikel Oyazarbal quiet before being subbed off in the 68th minute.

CB-Lisandro Martinez-N/R

Was hooked off in the 43rd minute amid his fitness woes.

CM-Enzo Fernandez-4

Did not enjoy a good game as he gave away needless fouls, eventually getting himself sent off for a second bookable offence after colliding with Pau Cubarsi towards the end of regulation time.

CM-Alexis Mac Allister-4

His lack of athleticism was exposed as the Spanish midfield axis ran rings around him.

LW-Nico Gonzalez-3

Struggled to have the same impact he had during the semi final against England, where it was his threatening runs from the left wing that opened up the pitch for Argentina that day.

CM-Rodrygo De Paul-3

Like Mac Allister, he struggled to match the rotations the Spanish midfield were creating all game before he was also hooked off.

AM-Lionel Messi-3

Ironically, he had arguably his worst game at the World Cup this campaign, and was maybe their least effective player, given Argentina struggled to win the ball back before feeding him the ball as they have been all tournament.

CF-Julian Alvarez-3

Was starved of service and had to drop deep trying to look for the ball, but it was very hard to rob the Spanish players.

Argentina Subs

CB-Nicolas Otamendi -6

On for the injured Lisandro Martinez, he did well helping the defence keep the score respectable.

RW-Giulano Simeone N/R

Brought on to inject directness and pace in attack, he frankly struggled to influence the game.

DM-Leandro Paredes-5

Struggled to impact the game, with his only memorable moment being a yellow card he picked after accidentally hitting Rodri in the back.

CB-Marcos Senesi -N/R

RB-Nahuel Molina -6

Worked hard to try contain Alex Baena but his efforts were not enough to help them avoid defeat to Spain.

CB-Facundo Medina -N/R

Spain

GK-Unai Simon-7

Did not have much to do and completed the tournament having set a new record of eight consecutive clean sheets.

RB-Pedro Porro-7

Was energetic bombing up and down the flank, providing width that allowed Lamine Yamal to drift infield and create midfield overloads.

LB-Marc Cucurella-7

Was energetic bombing up and down the flank, providing width that allowed Alex Baena to drift infield and create midfield overloads.

CB-Pau Cubarsi-8

Rightly granted the young player of the tournament award, Pau Cubarsi marshaled the Spanish defence and helped create chances with his elite ball carrying and line breaking capabilities.

CB- Amyeric Laporte-8

Helped keep Lionel Messi at bay partnering Cubarsi at the back.

DM-Rodri-8

Ran the show all afternoon, keeping things ticking, and capped off his performance with a golden ball award and a World Cup trophy to show for it.

CM-Dani Olmo-7

Helped generate consistent third man runs that the Argentinians simply could not contain.

CM-Fabian Ruiz-7

Helped in Spain’s build up play by providing left footed angles, as well as those third man midfield runs.

RW-Lamine Yamal-6

Had a relatively quiet afternoon, but his willingness to drift infield helped outnumber Argentina’s midfield numerically.

CF-Mikel Oyazarbal -6

Did his job linking up play and creating space for his teammates to get in behind into good goalscoring positions.

LW-Alex Baena-6

Just like Yamal, Baena helped create numerical overloads for Spain by drifting infield and leaving his markers puzzled.

Spain Subs

CM-Pedri-7

On for Fabian Ruiz, he helped Spain keep things ticking in midfield.

CF-Ferran Torres -9

Injected direct running into the Spanish attack, and delivered the match-winning goal, much like Andres Iniesta 16 years ago.

LW-Nico Williams-7

Injected width to Spain’s attack, which helped them get the goal they deserved in the end.

DM- Martin Zubimendi -N/R

CM-Mikel Merino -N/R

CB-Eric Garcia -N/R

Parting Shot

This final will be remembered as the day Spain’s structural perfection completely neutralized Argentina’s historical grit. 

While individual accolades will rightfully flood in for tournament standouts like Rodri and the generational Pau Cubarsi, the evening belonged to Ferran Torres, whose decisive spark off the bench etched his name into Spanish football folklore forever.