Mbappe takes home second Golden Boot, Spain sweeps World Cup awards

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that Spain capped the 2026 World Cup by winning both the trophy and several of FIFA’s individual awards, after a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium. Substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, ending a match Spain had largely controlled before an announced crowd of 80,000. The result ended Argentina’s reign and marked a major moment for Spain’s men’s national team.

France forward Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer, his second time receiving the award. Al Jazeera said Mbappe finished with 10 goals and four assists, ahead of Lionel Messi, who had eight goals and four assists. Mbappe boosted his tally with two goals in France’s third-place match against England, which England won 6-4. The report also noted that Mbappe, 27, has reached 22 career World Cup goals.

Spain’s Rodri was named Golden Ball winner as the tournament’s best player, despite not scoring or assisting in Spain’s eight matches. Al Jazeera cited his passing, distance covered and overall involvement, as well as his role in limiting Messi in the final. Messi received the Silver Ball, while Mbappe took the Bronze Ball.

Other awards underlined Spain’s dominance: goalkeeper Unai Simon won the Golden Glove after seven clean sheets, and defender Pau Cubarsi was named Best Young Player. The Netherlands received the FIFA Fair Play Award after collecting only three yellow cards before exiting in the round of 32 against Morocco on penalties.