Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The victory gives La Roja their second World Cup trophy, while Argentina fell short of securing a fourth star.
Lamine Yamal Emerges as Ballon d'Or Favorite
Lamine Yamal continues his historic international run, having won both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup before turning 20. His pivotal role in Spain's World Cup campaign has heavily tilted the Ballon d'Or race in his favor. According to updated rankings, Yamal now leads the list, followed by Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, and Declan Rice.
Impact on the Ballon d'Or Race
The World Cup outcome has caused a significant shift in the 2026 Ballon d'Or odds. Yamal's performances throughout the tournament, including key contributions in the knockout stages, have made him the frontrunner for football's most prestigious individual award. The final match itself was a tightly contested affair, with Spain's extra-time goal ultimately deciding the champion.
