Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win their second World Cup title on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The victory included three Arsenal players—David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino—who return to North London as reigning world champions following a 2026 tournament held across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
It was a final defined by a clash of philosophies. While Argentina attempted to turn the match into a physical battle characterized by fouls and stoppages, Luis de la Fuente’s side refused to deviate from their possession-based identity. The deadlock finally broke in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres scored the dramatic winner, securing the crown for La Roja.
The Arsenal Trio’s Role in the Final
Arsenal’s presence in the Spanish squad was felt throughout the tournament and the final. According to Arsenal’s official report, David Raya was part of a goalkeeper union that supported teammate Unai Simon in winning the Golden Glove. That defensive solidity was evident across the board; Spain conceded only one goal during the entire competition.
The midfield impact came via the bench. Martin Zubimendi entered the match during extra time, where nowarsenal.com reports he helped dictate possession alongside Rodri and Fabián Ruiz. Their composure allowed Spain to resist Argentina’s attempts to drag the game into chaos.
For more on this story, see Spain Wins 2026 World Cup Title After 1-0 Extra Time Victory Over Argentina.
Mikel Merino also featured in the disciplined performance, though he found himself at the center of a contentious officiating moment. A goal by Nico Williams was ruled out after Merino was judged to have interfered with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. However, Spanish media outlets disputed the call, arguing that Merino had made no contact with Martínez or Nicolás Otamendi.
MARCA: A Victory for Footballing Identity
The triumph has sparked a wave of praise across Spanish newspapers, with the victory being framed as a cultural statement rather than just a sporting achievement. The leading outlet MARCA argued that the win served as a defense of the sport’s core principles against physical disruption.

This follows our earlier report, Unai Simón Wins Golden Glove After Leading Spain to 2026 World Cup Victory.
The publication highlighted Spain’s refusal to abandon their style of play, noting that Spain didn’t accept the invitation
to engage in a physical brawl. Instead, they continued passing the ball and believing in their philosophy. According to the reporting by nowarsenal.com, MARCA described the result as a victory for the way we understand this sport,
while crediting the nation’s grassroots game for producing this new generation of champions.
Read also: Spain Defeats Argentina 1-0 to Win 2026 FIFA World Cup Title.
Impact on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal Season
For Arsenal, the return of Raya, Zubimendi, and Merino brings more than just medals. The club is preparing for a new season with three reigning world champions in the squad. This international success arrives as the Gunners look to build upon their own domestic triumph from last season.

The mental and tactical edge gained from reaching the summit of international football is expected to provide a significant boost to Mikel Arteta’s side. With the Spanish trio returning to North London, the club integrates players who have just successfully navigated the highest pressure environment in the sport while maintaining a strict tactical discipline.
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