Spain's World Cup Triumph Sparks Wave of Celebration
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez led the political reaction, posting that the country was "world champions" and thanking the national team for the achievement
Spain's dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final has triggered reactions far beyond the pitch, with celebrities from across the world are celebrating Spain's second world title.
Match-winner Ferran Torres, whose strike sealed the trophy, said the goal belonged to millions of people and reflected that destiny had written Spain's path to the title.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente described his players as a family and role models for Spanish sport and youth, while Argentina's Lionel Scaloni said he felt sadness but took comfort in knowing his team had left everything on the field. He added that Spain had simply been the better side. The two coaches were seen sharing a long embrace at midfield after the whistle.
For Lionel Messi, playing what may be his last World Cup, the ending was starkly different from 2022, with visible emotion on the pitch as Argentina's title defence ended.
Spain's biggest tennis stars were quick to react on social media. Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and retired great Rafael Nadal were among the notable names from the sports world who congratulated Spain on the victory, posting jubilant messages celebrating the "campeones del mundo."
Other Spanish sporting figures joined in too — basketball legend Pau Gasol posted his own celebration of the title, while Argentine basketball great Manu Ginóbili offered congratulations to Spain while praising his own country's "epic" campaign and thanking the players for their effort. Even NFL quarterback Caleb Williams weighed in with a simple, sympathetic nod to Messi's loss.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez led the political reaction, posting that the country was "world champions" and thanking the national team for the achievement. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, who attended the final together with their daughters Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, celebrated from the VIP box at MetLife Stadium and shared the first moments of celebration with the players, exchanging hugs after the win. It marked the first time the Spanish royal family had attended a World Cup final together as a group.
The match itself doubled as a magnet for celebrities. FIFA invited roughly 130 celebrities to the final, making it the largest gathering of famous faces assembled for the tournament. Some of them are Spanish actor Javier Bardem, former La Roja stars Iker Casillas, Xavi Hernández, David Villa and Fernando Llorente, alongside Alejandra Silva and her husband Richard Gere, and María Valverde with conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
