Spain celebrated more than World Cup glory after beating Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. They also secured the biggest prize in tournament history.
La Roja edged Argentina 1-0 after extra time. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute.
The victory earned Spain a massive $50 million from FIFA. That is the highest winner’s prize ever awarded at a FIFA World Cup.
For Spanish supporters, the amount equals approximately €43.7 million.
Spain entered the tournament ranked third in the FIFA rankings. However, their title-winning campaign lifted them to the world’s No. 1 position.
FIFA also awarded every participating nation $1.5 million for tournament travel and preparations.
As a result, Spain walked away with a total of $51.5 million. That figure is worth nearly R850 million in South African currency.
Slow start sparked Spain’s remarkable title run
Spain’s campaign began with a surprising 0-0 draw against African outsiders Cape Verde.
That result prompted many fans and pundits to question their title hopes.
However, Spain quickly silenced the critics with dominant performances.
They crushed Saudi Arabia 4-0 before beating Uruguay 1-0. Those victories secured top spot in Group H with seven points.
Spain then defeated Australia 3-0 in the Round of 32.
Next came a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16.
They followed that with a 2-1 win against Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Notably, Belgium became the only team to score against Spain throughout the tournament.
Torres fires Spain to World Cup glory
Spain carried their momentum into the semi-finals with an impressive 2-0 victory over France.
The Spanish defence kept stars Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé under control.
They then faced defending champions Argentina in the final.
Spain dominated from the opening whistle and limited Lionel Messi’s side throughout the match.
Remarkably, Argentina failed to produce a single shot on target during normal time.
Torres finally broke the deadlock early in extra time.
His strike secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title and a place in football history.
The dramatic victory also delivered a record $50 million winner’s cheque, making the triumph even more memorable.
