Calling a result a 'victory for football' may sound like an overused phrase, yet few neutral observers would dispute this view of Spain's success in the 2026 World Cup final.

When Ferran Torres struck the extra-time winner and Rodri raised the trophy in New Jersey, it is difficult to picture widespread sympathy for Argentina.

Spain prevailed in a test of stamina for both players and fans, defeating the Argentines to claim their second men's World Cup title.

By every football measure - and, some would argue, on ethical grounds too - this outcome was justified.

"There is no doubt that the right team won," former England captain Alan Shearer said on BBC One. "From start to finish, Spain controlled possession. They were the ones looking to play football, create chances and get in behind.

"This is a result for football because of the way that they have played. Spain deserve it."

Spain recorded 65% possession, an expected goals figure of 1.94 and 20 shots - 11 on target.

Goalkeeper Unai Simon secured his seventh clean sheet in eight games to earn the Golden Glove as the tournament's top keeper.

Spain allowed just one goal across the 2026 World Cup - the lowest total for any champion side.

Argentina are frequently cast as the pantomime villains of international football, especially among England supporters.

As in their semi-final against the Three Lions, they seemed more focused in the opening half on halting play than engaging in it themselves.

Leandro Paredes led the disruption, supported by Enzo Fernandez.

Although four Argentina players received bookings, many believe this only reinforces claims of lenient officiating throughout the event.

Argentina completed 464 passes against Spain's 852.

Unlike England, Spain stayed strong after the break. They could have settled the match well before Torres' 106th-minute goal without much argument.

Argentina's Emiliano Martinez made 11 saves - the highest total recorded by any goalkeeper in a World Cup final.

The defending champions became the first side in World Cup history without a shot during 90 minutes of a final. Their initial effort arrived from Lionel Messi in the 117th minute.

Argentina surrendered their title, and post-match scenes left many feeling they had also forfeited their composure.

Fernandez received a yellow card for dissent, followed by a second for a reckless late tackle that sent Cubarsi tumbling.

After the final whistle, Paredes clashed with Rodri, Gavi and Borja Iglesias, while teammate Nahuel Molina threw a punch at a Spain player.

"Embarrassing, seeing that sort of stuff after the game has been played," said BBC pundit Wayne Rooney. "Someone has been crowned World Cup champions. It is not good enough.

"Paredes is better than that. It doesn't stop there. He keeps going and going."

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni tried to justify his team's display amid tears at the post-match press conference, yet conceded the superior side had prevailed.

"Even though they were out-playing us until the 85th minute, I would love to know what would have happened had we still had 11 men on the pitch," he said regarding Fernandez's red card.

"We managed to go all the way to the end when the match was so open and it just couldn't be. They deserved the victory, that is the reality."

Argentina may have extended the final to extra time - the fifth of the past six to reach that stage - but this did little to hide their shortcomings.

"Argentina can have absolutely no complaints about what happened," former England goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC One. "Disgusting behaviour.

"I don't think Rodri needed to get in their faces but you understand that after 120 minutes where you have been wound up and you thought you've been wronged, and the referee has been on your back."