🏆 SPAIN: Kings of the World 🏆
Spain clinched their second World Cup title by defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic extra-time thriller at New York New Jersey Stadium, courtesy of a 106th-minute strike by Ferran Torres.
An expanded 48-team format led to a historic 104 matches across Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Kylian Mbappé won back-to-back Golden Boots (10 goals) and surpassed Lionel Messi as the all-time leading scorer.
Spain swept the majority of the awards: Rodri (Golden Ball), Unai Simón (Golden Glove), and Pau Cubarsí (Best Young Player), cementing one of the most dominant team performances in history.
While Spain undeniably earned the World Cup trophy through their flawless collective defense and tactical mastery, if I had to declare a single "Winner of the Tournament," I would give it to Kylian Mbappé.
Scoring 10 goals in a single modern World Cup is an astronomical feat. To secure back-to-back Golden Boots and shatter the all-time tournament scoring record at his age demonstrates a level of individual dominance that transcends the team result. Spain won the ultimate chess match, but Mbappé won the history books.