Sports · From the edition of Jul 18, 2026
✳ Dated MONDAY, JULY 20, 2026 ✳
SPAIN TAKES THE WORLD, MESSI FALLS SHORT
With the 48-nation cup on the line in New Jersey, La Roja edged Messi's Argentina for football's biggest prize.
EAST RUTHERFORD, July 20 — Spain beat Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup, an outcome traders priced at 59 per cent. La Roja lifted the first 48-nation trophy under the New Jersey lights, leaving Lionel Messi a runner-up in what may be his last final.
The match closed a monthlong tournament across three nations and 48 teams — the largest World Cup ever. Spain came in favored, and the money never blinked.
For Argentina, it ends a title defense and perhaps an era. Messi chased a second star and leaves with silver. Observers called it a coronation for a side that simply refused to lose.
Source: Polymarket · 59% probability — View market ↗