Slow Rebuild for the 2026 World Cup Final
Spain deservedly won the 2026 World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0, but did the final match live up to the occasion that represents the pinnacle of world football, and will its events remain etched in memory? Football fans waited nearly forty days to reach match number 104 of the tournament, the culminating final, yet the encounter on Sunday, July 19, was disappointing and may well rank among the worst World Cup finals in recent memory. A 1-0 scoreline typically indicates a closed match dominated by fear and caution from one or both sides. The undeniable truth, which no one seems to learn, is that the final is the last step before glory and requires courage and boldness to contest; yet coaches fail to grasp this lesson, with some choosing to avoid defeat rather than striving for victory. Nevertheless, football prevailed in the end thanks to a goal by Ferran Torres, who saved the day and found the back of the Argentine net. Just one goal in 120 minutes, and a team that failed to register its first shot until the 117th minute—this was a match marked by 45 fouls, five offside calls, and a red card, none of which would please neutral spectators. Below are the key highlights of the final:
• Weather conditions affected both teams’ preparations for the final. Severe thunderstorms and lightning in New Jersey forced the Spanish national team to cancel their last outdoor training session the day before the match, moving their warm-up to an indoor facility. Argentina faced a similar issue, with storms in Morristown delaying the start of their training session by 45 minutes. Additionally, smoke from Canadian wildfires raised concerns about deteriorating air quality before the match, although conditions improved by kickoff as the storms cleared.
• High tension accompanies every final, affecting players and coaching staff, and intensifying when kick-off times are not respected. A player’s body is negatively impacted when the opening whistle is delayed, significantly affecting performance, as seen in the New Jersey final. The first half was delayed by six minutes due to opening ceremonies and pre-match entertainment segments, not weather conditions. Furthermore, playing under a clear sky and bright sun seemed unusual for players accustomed to evening matches. The match was scheduled for 3:00 PM (10:00 PM Kuwait time), with temperatures reaching 28°C—a high figure for players who spend most of the season competing in Europe’s colder periods. Poor pitch conditions further complicated matters for both teams.
• Another factor that changed during the final was the halftime interval. While regulations stipulate a 15-minute break, it extended to 27 minutes, affecting players’ minds and muscles. Discipline rules penalize teams that delay the start of the second half in all continental and national federations; thus, FIFA, as the organizing body, bears responsibility for introducing segments unrelated to the World Cup. This delay was compounded by the introduction of the cooling break trend, which fragmented the flow of the game.
• Argentina’s excessive caution and retreat contributed to the disappointing final. Most of Scaloni’s players focused more on physical aggression than on passing and building attacks. In contrast, Spain relied on a possession-based plan centered on patience to exploit gaps in the opponent’s defensive structure. It was no secret that Argentina, as usual, waited for Lionel Messi to seize a moment to showcase his brilliance, turning the encounter into a one-sided affair.
• Argentina succumbed to tension, caused by players being more preoccupied with responding to pre-match criticisms than performing their tactical roles on the pitch. Most media outlets focused on claims that Argentina received preferential treatment from FIFA and its president, benefiting from refereeing errors more than other teams. This media war heightened nervousness, negatively impacting performance, and the tension persisted beyond the final whistle. The scene ended sadly and contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship.
• Spain showed an improving performance after their first match against Cape Verde, where they failed to look like title contenders. They gradually regained their aura, reaching the final deservedly after eliminating France, Belgium, and Portugal—teams also favored to win. Despite conceding only one goal, Spain did not reach their peak in the final due to the lack of a decisive player in depth to cap the immense effort in passing and control, waiting until the second half of extra time to score against their opponent.
• Media spotlight on the Messi-Lamine Yamal matchup played a negative role in distracting both players and placing them under additional stress, potentially exacerbating their fundamental struggles. The Argentine legend was completely exhausted before the final, having carried the team through match after match. Meanwhile, the injury Lamine Yamal returned from just before the World Cup hindered him from unleashing his full potential.
• The 2010 World Cup final resembles the 2026 final in its result: Spain also won in extra time with a single goal. It even resembled it in terms of physicality. However, that match was more thrilling for football fans because the opponent, the Netherlands, was not overly cautious and played with greater competitiveness. Iker Casillas was a decisive factor in that victory, and Spain registered 18 shots compared to the Netherlands’ 13. In the 2026 final, Argentina did not seek a competitive encounter; the element of parity that provides excitement and speed was absent. The statistics were shocking for a team reaching the final but reflected the reality of poor performance.
• Throughout the tournament, Argentina displayed fighting spirit and moments of genius, but in the final, they lacked both, compounded by depleted physical reserves that were completely exhausted by the doubled effort against England and Egypt, and by playing two extra periods against Cape Verde and Switzerland. During the final, it became clear that Argentina no longer had the physical strength to support itself, with Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero leaving injured at various stages of the match. This is something Scaloni must bear responsibility for, having brought back the old guard from 2022, seemingly out of loyalty, without rotating players, activating them, or even creating competition for places. The manager miscalculated his long-term plan by keeping Lautaro Martínez on the bench for the entire 120 minutes after Scaloni had exhausted his substitutions.
• Contrary to rumors that Argentina received preferential treatment and had a path to the final paved with roses, the opposite was true regarding rest periods. Exhaustion was evident in the final, as they played only one match every three days to reach the final. Argentina began this congested schedule from the knockout stages: playing Cape Verde on July 4 (Round of 32), Egypt on July 7 (Round of 16), Switzerland on July 11 (Quarter-finals), and England in the semi-finals on July 15. They faced Spain on July 19, who had played their semi-final on July 14 and enjoyed a longer rest, having started their knockout campaign on July 2.
• Finally, if the game’s primary authority, FIFA, is solely focused on profits and spectacle and indifferent to the quality of play, then the public cannot expect more than what was displayed in the 2026 final.
