Spain claimed their second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 final at MetLife Stadium, a contest decided in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres volleyed home a headed cross from Nico Williams. Across 120 minutes, the defending champions failed to register a single shot on target, a statistic that underscored the tactical nullification executed by Luis de la Fuente’s side. The defeat denied Argentina a historic back-to-back world crown, a feat not achieved since Brazil in 1962, and handed Spain their first global triumph since 2010.

Less than 24 hours later, the Albiceleste delegation touched down at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza airport in a fragmented return. Only 16 of the 26-man squad made the flight from New York; captain Lionel Messi and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul flew directly to Miami, while eight other Europe-based players departed for their clubs or holidays. Those who did arrive, including coach Lionel Scaloni and AFA president Claudio Tapia, were greeted by a military band playing the terrace anthem “Muchachos” and a 150-metre “GRACIAS” message painted on the runway. Despite persistent rain and winter cold, several thousand supporters lined the short route to the AFA complex, prompting the players to switch to an open-top bus to acknowledge the crowd.

The mood stood in stark contrast to the euphoric scenes of December 2022, when an estimated four to five million people flooded the streets of Buenos Aires after the Qatar triumph. This time, no official reception was organised, and a proposed public holiday floated by President Javier Milei was quietly shelved after informal consultations with the squad revealed little appetite for celebration. Viewed from the Argentine capital, the restrained homecoming reflected both the raw disappointment of a final lost in extra time and a broader recognition that the cycle begun under Scaloni had delivered two consecutive World Cup finals and a continental title.

Scaloni’s own future now dominates the agenda. His contract expires in December, and in a tearful post-match press conference he stated he would “fulfil the contract and then see,” leaving open the possibility of departure. The emotional toll was visible; he broke down while addressing reporters and had to leave the room. With South American qualifiers for the 2030 tournament on the horizon, the AFA faces the prospect of rebuilding without the coach who oversaw the most successful period in the national team’s modern history, even as the core of the squad disperses across Europe and the Americas for club duty.