Spain 1-0 Argentina (aet): player ratings from the 2026 World Cup final
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to claim the 2026 World Cup, with player ratings highlighting strong contributions from Spain’s midfield and notable struggles for some Argentine players. Rodri looks back to his imperious best in Spain’s midfield while Enzo Fernández has a day to forget for Argentina
The ratings compiled after the final focused on individuals who shaped the contest, singling out midfield control and several key moments that influenced the outcome. Spain’s ability to impose itself in the middle of the park received particular attention, while Argentina had a few off-days among expected starters. Observers noted a mixture of steady displays and isolated errors that affected both teams’ assessments.
Spain’s midfield was repeatedly mentioned as the clear battleground in the ratings, with Rodri singled out for restoring the commanding form he has shown at his best. That presence in the center helped Spain dictate phases of play and offered defensive reassurance that the ratings rewarded. Teammates who operated around him were also seen through the lens of how effectively they linked with that midfield spine.
On the opposite side, Argentina’s ratings reflected frustration in certain areas, not least among players who had been relied on throughout the tournament. Enzo Fernández has a day to forget for Argentina and that verdict featured prominently in the post-match evaluations. The aggregate scores suggested a gap between Argentina’s usual standards and the level reached in this final.
Unai Simón Was alert to clear danger after Cubarsí’s early mistake. Otherwise could have brought his slippers. 7
That goalkeeper assessment encapsulated how single incidents shaped some individual marks: a timely intervention following a team error contrasted with long periods of inactivity. Such moments were decisive in how the ratings were allocated, separating players who rose to the occasion from those whose lapses proved costly.
Overall, the published ratings portrayed a Spain side whose midfield influence, led by Rodri, was a defining factor in the final, while Argentina’s evaluations were tempered by a handful of underwhelming performances. The assessments underline which individuals bolstered Spain’s success and which players for Argentina will reflect on a day that did not go to plan.