Who made the difference for Spain? World Cup final player ratings

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Who made the difference for Spain? World Cup final player ratings Figure caption, Ferran Torres finally gives Spain a lead against ArgentinaPublished19 July 2026, 20:55 BSTUpdated 15 minutes agoSpain have won the World Cup after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final. Sport journalist Neil Johnston assesses how the players performed in New Jersey - and you can see how Sport readers rated them at the bottom of the page too.

SpainStarting XIUnai Simon: Came charging outside his box in the opening minutes which almost led to disaster before recovering to help Spain add the World Cup to their European triumph of two-years ago. 7Marc Cucurella: Drove forward on numerous occasions and went close with a rare first-half attempt which whistled just wide. 7Aymeric Laporte: Has been a rock at the back throughout the tournament – and so he was once again as Spain recorded a seventh clean sheet in eight games.

The Details

7Pau Cubarsi: Once again provided a calm presence in defence as he has done all tournament. Only the second player on record (from 1966) to complete 100-plus passes in a World Cup final. 8Pedro Porro: Followed up on his solid display in the semi-final to play a part in the move that produced the winning goal.

7Fabian Ruiz: Worked hard in the engine room as Argentina struggled to impose their authority. 7Rodri: Another controlled midfield performance from the captain as he helped his country to their first World Cup triumph since 2010. 7Alex Baena: Put himself about and made a nuisance of himself.

7Dani Olmo: Created chances and made a nuisance of himself on another glorious day for Spanish football after the Euros success of 2024 and the Nations League triumph of 2023. 7Lamine Yamal: Ends the tournament with a World Cup winners medal at the age of 19. Will there be more to come?

What Experts Say

Had the first chance of the final after finding space inside the box. 7Mikel Oyarzabal: Has been influential upfront for Spain but was kept quiet for large parts. Ends a glorious tournament as Spain's leading scorer with five goals.

7SubstitutesPedri (62 mins): Came on to bring energy into the side. 7Ferran Torres (62 mins): Injected pace into Spain's play and was first to react when the ball fell to him in extra-time to seal the biggest prize of all for his country. 8Nico Williams (75 mins): What an impact.

Williams has had to remain patient at this tournament and has been limited to a string of substitute appearances. Spain looked dangerous each time he had the ball at his feet and played a huge role in the goal. 9Mikel Merino (75 mins): Has proved to be an impact substitute at this tournament and again played his part on a glorious day for Spain.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.