Spain make history with men’s, women’s World Cup double

Femi Akinyemi

Spain have become the first nation in football history to hold both the FIFA Men’s World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup titles simultaneously following their victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final.

La Roja secured the historic achievement after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday to win the men’s World Cup for the second time.

FIFA confirmed the milestone on its official X account shortly after the final.

“History-makers Spain have become the first nation to hold both the @FIFAWorldCup and @FIFAWWC simultaneously!” the world football governing body posted.

Historic double

Spain’s men’s triumph comes three years after the country’s women’s national team won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

ALSO READ: Spain defeat England 1-0 to win first Women’s World Cup

The Spanish women defeated England 1-0 in the final in Sydney, with Olga Carmona scoring the only goal to secure their maiden world title.

By lifting the men’s trophy while remaining reigning women’s world champions, Spain achieved a feat no other nation has managed since FIFA introduced separate men’s and women’s World Cup competitions.

Second men’s World Cup title

The 2026 success is Spain’s second men’s World Cup triumph, following their first title at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, where Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal secured a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands.

Coach Luis de la Fuente’s side capped an impressive campaign by overcoming Argentina in a tightly contested final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive extra-time goal.

Spain also conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, underlining their defensive strength on the way to the title.

Era of Spanish dominance

The World Cup double adds to a remarkable period for Spanish football.

The men’s national team won UEFA Euro 2024, while the women’s team have remained among the world’s leading sides since their breakthrough World Cup success in 2023.

Spain also dominated the individual honours at the 2026 World Cup. Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, Unai Simón claimed the Golden Glove as best goalkeeper, and 19-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí received the Best Young Player award.

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