The 2026 World Cup is history, and it has a worthy winner: Spain. In the final at MetLife Stadium near New York, the Spaniards defeated defending champion Argentina 1-0 after extra time. For Switzerland, the tournament ended in the quarterfinals, but with their best World Cup result in over 70 years.
The quarterfinal against Argentina
In Kansas City, the Nati delivered a strong performance against the world champions. Argentina took an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister, but Switzerland was not intimidated. In the second half, Dan Ndoye equalized, and the match went to extra time. There, Argentina had the upper hand: Julián Álvarez scored to make it 2-1 in the 112th minute, and Lautaro Martínez sealed the 3-1 final score in stoppage time. A bitter exit, but a departure with heads held high.
Spain crowns a generation
In the semifinals, Spain beat France 2-0, while Argentina defeated England 2-1. The final on July 19 was a grueling match. Spain dominated but was repeatedly thwarted by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. After Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in the final phase of regular time, the Spaniards capitalized on their numerical advantage. In the 106th minute, Ferran Torres scored the decisive 1-0.
For Spain, it is their second World Cup title since 2010. Together with the 2024 European Championship title, the country now holds both major titles simultaneously. Rodri, who had also received the award at Euro 2024, was named the best player of the tournament.
The Nati's record
For Switzerland, it was a historic tournament:
- Group victory ahead of Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar
- 2-0 against Algeria in the round of 32
- Victory in a penalty shootout against Colombia in the round of 16
- First World Cup quarterfinal since 1954
- Elimination only in extra time against the eventual finalist
The team proved that it belongs to the extended world elite. Young players like Johan Manzambi and Dan Ndoye showed themselves on the biggest stage, and Gregor Kobel was a reliable anchor.
What we take away from this World Cup
The decisive matches of this World Cup were often settled by individual moments: a header in stoppage time, a saved penalty, a cleanly struck ball in extra time. Those who can summon calmness and technique in these moments win. This ability does not arise by chance, but through thousands of repetitions in training.
Capitalizing on World Cup euphoria
After such a summer, many children and young people want to play football themselves. For clubs, this is a great opportunity. For anyone who wants to work on their own technique, now is the perfect moment. The new season is just around the corner, and motivation is high.
With the VOLLEYCHAMP®, you can practice volleys and one-touch shots in a targeted way—in the garden, on the pitch, or with the whole team. Perhaps it will be your volley that makes the difference in the next match.
Outlook
After the World Cup is before the next challenge. A new edition of the Nations League begins in the autumn, and eyes are already turning toward qualification for Euro 2028. The young generation has gained experience at the highest level. That makes us hungry for more.
Thank you, Nati!
This team inspired the country and ended a drought lasting decades. We are proud of this summer and are already looking forward to the next challenges. Hopp Schwiiz!
