Spain’s World Cup win came with Messi drama, Mbappé history and a duck
NBC News’ World Cup recap spotlighted Spain’s second title, Kylian Mbappé’s scoring record and the strangest moments around the 2026 tournament.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph was sealed in the 106th minute, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner against Argentina, NBC News reported in its tournament recap.
The goal gave the European champions their second World Cup title and their first since 2010. Spain also left the tournament with a near-perfect defensive record, conceding just once across the competition, according to NBC News.
That lone goal came from Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere in the quarterfinals. NBC News described it as the only mark against La Roja’s otherwise dominant defensive run.
Mbappé takes the scoring crown
Kylian Mbappé finished as the tournament’s Golden Boot winner, NBC News reported, after scoring 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup.
The France star also became the first player to win the Golden Boot twice. His 2026 haul lifted him to 22 World Cup goals, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer, according to NBC News.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina still reached the final, and NBC News pointed to one of the tournament’s wildest escapes along the way. In the round of 16 against Egypt, Argentina trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes left before scoring three quick goals to reach the quarterfinals.
Cristiano Ronaldo added his own line to World Cup history. NBC News reported that the 41-year-old Portugal captain became the only player to score in six World Cup tournaments.
Politics, parties and one painful celebration
The U.S. campaign included a political flashpoint after Folarin Balogun received a red card. NBC News reported that President Donald Trump called FIFA as the White House tried to get the decision overturned.
The move drew backlash in the soccer world, according to NBC News. The anger later gave way to schadenfreude after Belgium beat the U.S. 4-1 in the knockout round.
England’s run produced one of the stranger injury stories of the tournament. After England beat Mexico, midfielder Jordan Henderson was hurt during a team rendition of Oasis’ “Wonderwall,” NBC News reported.
Henderson had to be carried off on a stretcher after jumping over a short wall and landing awkwardly, according to NBC News.
Scotland’s fans made their own headlines in Boston after the country’s World Cup opener against Haiti. NBC News reported that some bars ran out of beer as the Tartan Army packed the city.
A duck, a holiday and an upset
Mexico had an unofficial feathered star: Merlin, a 2-year-old duck dressed in a tight El Tri jersey. NBC News reported that Merlin became a viral face of Mexico’s tournament and even met President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The duck overshadowed Mexico’s official mascot, Zayu the Jaguar, according to NBC News.
Paraguay’s win over Germany also brought a national reaction. NBC News reported that Paraguay declared a national holiday after its team eliminated the four-time world champion in a penalty shootout, one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.