Newly crowned FIFA World Cup champions Spain capped off a remarkable tournament by collecting four of the competition’s five major individual awards following their 1-0 victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final.

Spain midfielder Rodri was named the winner of the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player after leading his side to a second World Cup title. The experienced midfielder produced a series of commanding performances throughout the tournament, controlling matches with his vision, passing and leadership.

France captain Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals. The award marked the second time Mbappé has claimed the World Cup’s top scorer prize, further cementing his status as one of the game’s leading forwards.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove after an outstanding tournament in which Spain conceded just one goal. His consistent performances and crucial saves played a key role in his country’s title-winning campaign.

Nineteen-year-old Spain defender Pau Cubarsí was named Best Young Player after emerging as one of the stars of the tournament. The young centre-back impressed with his composure and maturity, helping Spain record one of the best defensive records in the competition.

Spain’s dominance in the individual honours reflected the team’s outstanding performances throughout the month-long tournament, with four of the five major awards going to members of the world champions.

2026 FIFA World Cup major award winners

• Golden Ball (Best Player): Rodri (Spain)
• Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Kylian Mbappé (France) – 10 goals
• Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Unai Simón (Spain)
• Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)

Everything is on the line as Argentina and Spain prepare to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in just a few hours, with the winners set to lift football’s most prestigious trophy, earn a record financial reward and secure their place in sporting history.

Record prize money

For the first time, the FIFA World Cup champions will receive $50 million in prize money, the biggest payout ever awarded to the winners of the tournament.

The runners-up will take home $33 million, meaning there is a $17 million difference between winning and losing the final.

The 2026 World Cup features a record $655 million in performance-based prize money, with every one of the 48 participating nations also receiving $1.5 million to help cover tournament preparation costs.

More than just money

While the financial rewards are significant, both teams have their sights set on lifting the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy.

Argentina is chasing a fourth World Cup title, having previously triumphed in 1978, 1986 and 2022. Victory would see Lionel Messi add another World Cup winner’s medal to an already remarkable career and cement Argentina’s status among football’s greatest nations.

Spain, meanwhile, is aiming for its second World Cup crown after winning the tournament for the first time in 2010. A victory would confirm Spain’s return to the summit of world football.

Individual honours still up for grabs

Several prestigious individual awards will also be decided after the final whistle.

Golden Boot – Awarded to the tournament’s leading goalscorer. France’s Kylian Mbappé currently leads with 10 goals, while Argentina captain Lionel Messi has eight and still has a chance to catch him in the final.

Golden Ball – Presented to the tournament’s best overall player. Messi is among the favourites, although several Spanish stars remain in contention depending on the outcome of the final.

Golden Glove – Awarded to the tournament’s outstanding goalkeeper, recognising the best performances between the posts throughout the competition.

Best Young Player Award – Presented to the standout player aged 21 or younger who has impressed during the tournament.

FIFA Fair Play Award – Awarded to the team with the best disciplinary record while demonstrating respect for opponents, referees and the spirit of the game.

A place in football history

Beyond the trophies and prize money, tonight’s winners will earn something priceless – a permanent place in football history.

For Argentina, victory would mean back-to-back World Cup triumphs and another chapter in the nation’s rich football legacy.

For Spain, it would mark a return to the top of the global game and a second world title.

When the final whistle sounds, one team will walk away with $50 million, the FIFA World Cup trophy, and the honour of being crowned the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions.

Football fans across Afghanistan won’t want to miss a moment of the action as Argentina and Spain battle for the biggest prize in world football. The 2026 FIFA World Cup final preview show starts at 10:00pm Kabul time live and exclusively on Ariana Television. The match kicks off at 11.30pm.

From the pre-match build-up and team line-ups to the trophy presentation and celebrations, viewers can catch every moment of what promises to be an unforgettable night of football. Tune in to Ariana Television and be part of the excitement as the world crowns its new champions.

Argentina’s final preparations for tonight’s FIFA World Cup final against Spain were disrupted by severe thunderstorms on Saturday, with the defending champions forced to delay their training session by about 45 minutes, while Spain cancelled its outdoor practice altogether because of lightning and heavy rain.

Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, eventually took to the field at the RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center after weather conditions improved. The squad initially completed an indoor activation session before being cleared to train outdoors.

Spain, meanwhile, remained indoors after safety officials called off the team’s scheduled training session under U.S. lightning protocols. Players instead carried out gym-based exercises as head coach Luis de la Fuente made final preparations for the biggest match of the tournament.

The storms also helped improve air quality in the New York-New Jersey area after concerns earlier in the week over smoke drifting south from Canadian wildfires. Tournament organisers have indicated that weather conditions are expected to be favourable for the final, with no disruption anticipated for kick-off.

The championship match will be played at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, where more than 80,000 fans are expected to witness the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina is chasing a fourth World Cup title after defeating England 2-1 in the semi-finals, while Spain secured its place in the final with a 2-0 victory over France.

Much of the attention will focus on Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who has once again inspired his side with a series of decisive performances and now has the opportunity to add another World Cup winner’s medal to his remarkable career. Spain, meanwhile, has impressed throughout the tournament with its disciplined defence, composed possession-based football and clinical finishing.

Security has been heightened around the stadium ahead of the final, while FIFA expects one of the largest global television audiences of the year as football’s two remaining contenders battle for the sport’s biggest prize.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. EDT (11.30 p.m. Kabul time), with fans across the globe eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling World Cup final.

Fans in Afghanistan however can tune in to Ariana Television from 10 p.m. to watch the preshow where commentators will discuss the upcoming match.

Fans in Afghanistan are also encouraged to follow ATN and Ariana News’ social media pages for updated news and information.