The 2026 World Cup ended with Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina giving them their second ever trophy.
La Roja dominated the Albiceleste all match long before Enzo Fernandez’s dismissal left the South Americans with 10 men. It was one of the most one-sided World Cup finals in recent memory, and the outcome was thouroughly deserved.
Not only did Spain’s win earn them the trophy, but also the longest unbeaten run of any European national team in international football history.
But who were the individual winners from the campaign? Here is how the race for the Golden Boot, Golden Glove and other awards panned out.
2026 World Cup Golden Boot standings
| Rank | Player | Country | Goals |
| 1 | Kylian Mbappe | France | 10 |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 8 |
| 3 | Jude Bellingham | England | 7 |
| 4 | Erling Haaland | Norway | 7 |
| 5 | Ousmane Dembele | France | 6 |
| 6 | Harry Kane | England | 6 |
| 7 | Mikel Oyarzabal | Spain | 5 |
| 8 | Vinicius Junior | Brazil | 4 |
| 9 | Julian Quinones | Mexico | 4 |
| 10 | Ismaila Sarr | Senegal | 4 |
Mbappe’s brace in the third-place match ultimately proved decisive, giving him the edge over Messi. The Argentine’s incredible run of 11 straight games with a goal or an assist came to an end in the final. Additionally, his last three goal contributions were all assists. His last goal came against Egypt in the round of 16.
The Frenchman also became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice.
Bellingham also came close with his incredible solo effort against France last Saturday. The Englishman scored five of his seven goals in the knockout stages and bagged a couple of braces in a row, against Mexico and Norway.
Speaking of Norway, Haaland had a great run in the first World Cup of his career. Seven goals in five games – including each of his first four and a brace that pushed the Vikings over five-time champions Brazil in the round of 16. Barring a disaster, he will be back looking for more in 2030.
One high-profile name who may not be back for the next tournament is Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich striker saved England many times but saw his performances dip as the Three Lions’ run went on. Though much of that falls on Thomas Tuchel and his tactics, which may have shut Kane’s hopes of ever winning a World Cup.
2026 Premier League Golden Glove standings
| Rank | Player | Club / Country | Clean Sheets |
| 1 | Unai Simon | Spain | 7 |
| 2 | Camilo Vargas | Colombia | 4 |
| 3 | Mike Maignan | France | 4 |
| 4 | Raul Rangel | Mexico | 3 |
Unai Simon had literally no saves to make in the final, as Spain conceded just two shots to Argentina – both late on in the second half of extra time, and none on target. Though he was very much a part of Luis de la Fuente’s high line, sweeping away what could have been a dangerous through ball in the first half.
In reality, clean sheets are much more a collective effort. And La Roja did better in that regard than any other national team in a single World Cup. They established a new record of seven games without conceding a goal, shipping just once in the whole tournament. Charles De Ketelaere’s header for Belgium in the quarter finals was the first and last time Simon had to collect the ball in the back of the net.
2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner
Rodri won the Golden Ball award for his incredible performances in the 2026 World Cup for Spain. Not only was the Manchester City midfielder a steadying presence in the middle of the park, but also improved as the tournament went on.
The final might have been his most impressive display, in fact. He was a big part of Spain dominating Argentina in possession and trapping them out of it.
Rodri lifted the trophy as La Roja’s captain, adding one more to his incredible collection of team and player accomplishments.
It’s quite the comeback story, considering his injury-riddled past few seasons in the Premier League. He often looked overwhelmed by the physicality in English and European club football, but dismissed all possible questions regarding his level in the biggest stage imaginable.
2026 World Cup Young Player winner
19-year-old Pau Cubarsi was named the Young Player of the 2026 World Cup. The Barcelona defender responded whenever he was called to action out of possession and played a huge role helping Spain recycle the ball and break opposing lines in possession.
2026 World Cup Fair Play Award winners
The Netherlands couldn’t make it past the round of 32 but finished the 2026 World Cup with the strongest disciplinary record.
Of course, it’s an objective award, but rather ironic considering their elimination to Morocco featured a number of heated exchange between players from both sides.
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