To be the best team in the world, you need the best players on the pitch. Following their historic 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Final victory over Argentina, Spain did not just lift the iconic golden trophy—they absolutely dominated the post-match individual awards ceremony at MetLife Stadium.
FIFA officially confirmed what the footballing world had witnessed over the past month: La Roja was untouchable in every single department on the field.
👑 Golden Ball: Rodri Crowned the Best Player
The heartbeat of the Spanish machine, Rodri, has been awarded the prestigious Golden Ball as the absolute Best Player of the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester City midfielder was the undisputed tactical anchor for Luis de la Fuente’s side, dictating the tempo, breaking up opposition counters, and ensuring Spain maintained their suffocating possession statistics throughout the tournament.
Rodri’s ability to seamlessly transition Spain from defense to attack made him the most valuable asset in North America, rightfully earning him the crown ahead of global superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
💫 Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí’s Rise to Stardom
Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy has produced another global phenomenon. Teenage defensive sensation Pau Cubarsí has been officially named the Best Young Player of the tournament. Playing with a composure and tactical intelligence that defied his youth, Cubarsí was instrumental in Spain’s historic defensive record.
Whether he was dealing with the physical presence of European strikers or the blistering pace of South American wingers, Cubarsí’s elite ball-playing ability from the backline set the foundation for Spain’s attacks. His award cements his status as the future—and the present—of world football’s defensive elite.
🧤 Golden Glove: Unai Simón’s Historic Wall
You cannot win a World Cup without an elite shot-stopper, and Unai Simón proved he is exactly that by claiming the Golden Glove award. The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper was the cornerstone of Spain’s unprecedented defensive masterclass. Having conceded merely a single goal on the road to the final, Simón registered an incredible 650-minute shutout streak earlier in the tournament. His sharp reflexes, command of the penalty area, and flawless distribution under pressure were vital in bringing the second star home to Madrid.
From defense to midfield to the sheer youth revolution, Spain’s 2026 World Cup campaign will forever be remembered as a complete, unified masterclass in the beautiful game.
