FIFA World Cup 2026 final: Mumbai's Spain fans react to the win

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A thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 has finally come to an end with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 to win the coveted title in world football on Sunday, July 19, in the USA. Interestingly, not many people expected the result, after a dominant display by Messi’s team throughout the tournament. However, the South American defending champions were in for a surprise when the resilient Spaniards showcased their skills when Ferran Torres score a late goal in the 106th minute to seal the title.

While fans around the world have been celebrating, it is no different in Mumbai, as fans of the sport and the Spanish team react to the all-important win that comes at the cost of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lukas Modric, Neymar Jr, and now Lionel Messi losing out on the opportunity to win the title for the country in what is possibly their last international outing for the country.

Keegan Po, 28, Santacruz East

Going into the final, I was determined. As much as Argentina are a phenomenal team, a huge part of me wanted Spain to win because it had been so long since they last lifted the World Cup. They completely deserved it. Spain dominated the game through their possession, controlled the tempo from start to finish, and were relentless in winning the ball back almost immediately after losing it. Their midfield was simply flawless, creating chance after chance and dictating every phase of play.

On the other hand, Argentina looked unusually aggressive and struggled to find an answer to Spain’s possession-based football. They couldn’t register a single shot on target, which says everything about how effectively Spain controlled the match.

Beyond the result, this final felt symbolic. It marks the end of an era for Lionel Messi, a player whose legacy is untouchable, while also signalling the beginning of what could be a historic journey for Lamine Yamal. Knowing that Messi once met Yamal as a baby, only to face him 19 years later in a World Cup final, made it feel like football was witnessing the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

This World Cup ended on a high, but it also felt like the closing chapter for the generation that grew up watching icons like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and so many other legends who defined football for nearly two decades. Their influence on the sport will be remembered long after they’ve stepped away.

Nathan Jacinto, 27, Santacruz East

I’ve come full circle. I properly started watching football around the 2010 World Cup, when Spain lifted their first World Cup. Back then, I only knew a handful of their star players. Since then, I’ve grown up watching this team evolve, celebrating every triumph, enduring every setback, and witnessing them add trophy after trophy along the way. And now, after a flawless tournament, they’re world champions once again.It makes every sleepless night worth it. Supporting Spain from thousands of kilometres away in Mumbai has been an absolute pleasure and privilege. I’m hoping the next chapter is watching football play in Spain with people like me.

Simran Rose, 30, Goregaon

I’ve been supporting Spain since their 2008 run at the Euros. But that was the period of the Golden Generation – Torress, Iniesta, Xavi, Villa, Casillas and Puyol among others. When they moved onto the next chapter, I figured it would take some time for the next champions to shape up. Sure you had the big names like Yamal, Nico, Rodri but football has never been a one-man game, it’s an entire whole team – and that’s exactly what this side has shown. They never relied on any one player and their cumulative skills and mindset is what got home the trophy. I didn’t expect it to be honest. Top 3? Yes. But France seemed to be indomitable, that is, until Spain knocked them out of the tournament. Then it was a no-brainer – it was a Spanish evening. For a girl who’s supported Espana for almost two decades and has walked the streets of Madrid, watching the celebrations unfold just felt so nostalgic. We deserved it and we’re so glad it’s come home.

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