Some Are Happy for Spain’s World Cup Victory, Others for Argentina’s Defeat

By: M. Burhanuddin Qasmi
Editor: Eastern Crescent

The FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded in spectacular fashion at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA, with Spain lifting the coveted trophy after defeating defending champions Argentina. It was not merely another football final; it became a global event where sport, politics, emotions, and public perceptions intersected in remarkable ways.

Spain deserved every bit of its triumph. The team displayed technical brilliance, tactical discipline, and admirable sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Under immense pressure, the Spanish players remained composed and focused on football rather than controversy.

The young sensation Lamine Yamal emerged as one of the brightest stars of the competition. His breathtaking performances, maturity beyond his years, and decisive contributions made him the symbol of world’s new football generation. His humble conduct, public expressions of faith, and respectful behaviour on and off the field won admiration from millions across different cultures and religions.

France’s Kylian Mbappé, despite not winning the World Cup, finished as the tournament’s Golden Boot winner with 10 goals, once again proving why he remains among the world’s finest footballers. His individual excellence deserves appreciation regardless of his team’s final standing.

Spain’s statistical achievements make their title even more remarkable. They conceded only one goal throughout the entire tournament while scoring prolifically, making them the most balanced team in both attack and defence. Their ability to dominate possession while maintaining defensive discipline became the defining feature of their campaign. Even more astonishing is Spain’s reported run of 38 consecutive international victories, a sequence regarded as a world-record achievement. Such consistency reflects not luck but excellent planning, outstanding coaching, and extraordinary commitment from players.

Congratulations are also due to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose government has attracted international attention for outspoken positions on humanitarian issues, particularly regarding Gaza and Palestine. Whether one agrees with every aspect of Spain’s foreign policy or not, many people around the world viewed Spain’s humanitarian stance positively. In today’s interconnected world, governments inevitably influence how nations are perceived, even in sporting arenas.

Likewise, FIFA President Gianni Infantino deserves recognition for overseeing yet another successful World Cup that brought together nations despite growing global political tensions. Organising the world’s biggest sporting event amidst an increasingly polarised environment remains an enormous administrative achievement.

Yet this World Cup also demonstrated that football can never be completely separated from geopolitics. Reported injustice demonstrated against team Iran cannot be overlooked and nations which do not respect sportsmanship spirit like the USA did to Iran should not be considered for hosting any sport events.

For many supporters across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, this final represented more than ninety minutes of football. Public debates surrounding the wars in Gaza and the wider Middle East inevitably shaped emotions. Around the globe, many fans openly expressed support for teams they believed reflected values closer to justice, peace, or humanitarian concerns.

Social media amplified these emotions to unprecedented levels. Millions celebrated Spain’s victory not only because of footballing excellence but because they associated Spain with humanitarian positions taken by its government and admired the humility shown by several Spanish players, particularly Lamine Yamal.

Conversely, there were also many who openly admitted that they were celebrating Argentina’s defeat rather than Spain’s victory. Such reactions may or may not be fair to Argentina’s players, whose responsibility is to play football rather than formulate foreign policy. Nevertheless, public opinion is often shaped by broader political narratives that extend far beyond the football pitch.

In this context, the selective and uncalled-for cheering of Argentina alone by leaders such as Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump was widely criticised. Their partisan applause, ignoring Spain’s sporting excellence and humanitarian symbolism, revealed how political biases can distort even the spirit of global sport. Such gestures were seen by many as insensitive, divisive, and disconnected from the broader values of fairness and unity that football represents.

Throughout the tournament, social media carried countless allegations, counter-allegations, and conspiracy theories regarding officiating and perceived favouritism. However, no conclusive evidence has established that outcomes were manipulated. Football’s governing institutions must continue striving for maximum transparency so that public confidence in the sport remains intact.

This tournament therefore offered an important lesson: modern sport no longer exists in isolation. Athletes today are global personalities whose gestures, words, and conduct resonate far beyond stadiums. A simple act of humility, respect towards opponents, compassion for suffering people, or solidarity with humanitarian causes often earns admiration that extends beyond football itself.

 

Spain’s victory ultimately belongs to football. It belongs to a young generation that demonstrated discipline, teamwork, and technical excellence. It belongs to coaches who built a cohesive unit rather than relying solely on individual brilliance. It belongs to supporters who appreciate beautiful football irrespective of nationality.

At the same time, the World Cup reminds us that the emotions of billions cannot be confined within white lines painted on a football field. Every tournament reflects the hopes, fears, and political realities of its era. Whether one celebrates Spain’s triumph, admires Mbappé’s extraordinary exploits, or simply appreciates the beauty of the game, football continues to unite humanity while simultaneously reflecting its divisions.

Congratulations, Spain.
Congratulations, Lamine Yamal.
Congratulations to every team that played with dignity, fairness, and respect.

In the end, trophies may be lifted by one nation, but the true victory belongs to football when it inspires excellence, humility, compassion, and peace among people across the world.