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Stargazing: Inside the last days of Spain's quest for a second World Cup

There was something in the air as Spain prepared for the World Cup final. No, not the smoke of Canadian wildfires, but a certain inevitability.

108dGraham Hunter
Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Reaction: How Spain won 2026 World Cup; Messi exits quietly; wild halftime show

109dMark Ogden, +2 More

In a tournament dominated by superstars, de la Fuente's team ethos won the World Cup for Spain

109dGab Marcotti

    WORLD CUP REACTION

    Throngs of fans greet World Cup champs in Madrid

    109dAssociated Press

    Not even Messi's magic could will Argentina to back-to-back World Cups

    109dLizzy Becherano

    Ranking the 2026 World Cup's best viral moments, from Merlin the Duck to the Viking Row

    109dChris Wright

    Top Headlines

    ARGENTINA FALL SHORT IN FINAL

    VAR review: Did Fernandez deserve red card as Argentina lose World Cup final?

    109dAndy Davies
    Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images

    Not even Messi's magic could will Argentina to back-to-back World Cups

    109dLizzy Becherano

    Messi played poorly in the World Cup final: So what? He's still the GOAT and will be remembered as such

    109dMark Ogden

    Spain vs. Argentina player ratings as Ferran Torres nets winner to crown La Roja champions

    109dShubi Arun

    Spain win World Cup thanks to Ferran Torres extra time winner after Enzo Fernández red

    109dTom Masters

    President Trump, Timothée Chalamet, Tom Cruise top celebrities at 2026 World Cup final

    109dESPN staff

    Burley absolutely disgusted by Argentina's World Cup final performance

    109d
    1:02

    Scaloni in tears, unsure of Argentina future

    109dLizzy Becherano

    Steve McManaman calls out Argentina's 'cheating' after World Cup loss

    109d
    1:06

    WORLD CUP REVIEW

    World Cup's best and most disappointing XIs, from Messi and Bellingham to Pulisic and McTominay

    109dMark Ogden
    Getty Images

    We thought this would be a World Cup like no other. We were right, as it inspired and incensed

    109dSam Borden

    FIFA World Cup

    JUNE 19

    We got a Scorigami! How England's 6-4 win vs. France made World Cup history

    110dConnor O'Halloran
    Jared C. Tilton - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

    World Cup 2026 today: Live updates, news and build up to Argentina-Spain blockbuster final - July 19

    109dNina Hristova, +2 More
    Photo by Julian Finney - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

    FIFA World Cup

    Tuchel: DNA of English game 'needs to be changed'

    112dPA
    Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Bellingham explains Messi debate at World Cup

    113dESPN News Services

    Tactics, tiredness and Tuchel: How England lost their World Cup semi

    113dJames Olley

    WORLD CUP HEARTBREAK FOR ENGLAND

    Tuchel reveals he has 'no regrets' over his decisions vs. Argentina

    111d
    0:58

    Tuchel: England fan opinion won't affect my desire

    111dJames Olley

    Tuchel: England have 'gap to close' to top teams

    111dJames Olley

    FIFA World Cup

    JULY 15

    2026 World Cup Stock Watch: Who has impressed? Who has struggled?

    114dSam Tighe
    Illustration by ESPN

    THE END OF AN ERA

    So, Ronaldo's World Cup era is over. Where did each tournament go wrong, and why?

    122dBill Connelly
    Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

    Neymar was Ancelotti's gamble at the World Cup, and it failed

    122dTim Vickery

    Cristiano Ronaldo

    AFC Champions League Elite

    Marcotti: Ronaldo was one of the greatest of all time

    15h
    1:15

    Cristiano Ronaldo

    AFC Champions League Elite

    Ogden: Time catches up with everyone, even Cristiano Ronaldo

    17h
    2:48

    Lionel Messi

    FIFA World Cup

    Lionel Messi watches on at the Messi Cup

    10d
    0:16

    Top Headlines

    England at World Cup 2026

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