Spain 1-0 Argentina (aet): 2026 World Cup final player ratings

Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final was reflected in a set of player ratings that highlighted a strong midfield performance from Rodri and a difficult night for Enzo Fernández, according to The Guardian Football.

In the ratings piece, Rodri was singled out as returning to close to his best form, controlling the middle of the pitch for Spain at a decisive stage of the match. The assessment suggests his influence was central to Spain’s ability to manage the final and edge it after 90 minutes had not separated the teams.

For Argentina, Fernández was described as having a disappointing outing, with the review characterising the match as a “day to forget” for the midfielder. That contrast with Rodri underlined the broader theme of the ratings: Spain’s central areas were viewed more favourably than Argentina’s in a final that was tight but ultimately decided in extra time.

The goalkeeper rating for Unai Simón also stood out. He was credited with staying alert to prevent danger after an early mistake by Pau Cubarsí, and otherwise was said to have had little else to do. The assessment gave him a solid mark for concentration, even if the final did not demand a long list of saves.

The article was published as a set of individual ratings rather than a full match report, so the detail available is focused on performances more than the flow of the contest. Still, the scoring patterns point to Spain’s discipline and Argentina’s frustrations in a final that ended 1-0 after extra time.

This report is based on a monitored public feed and attributed to The Guardian Football, with details drawn from its player ratings for the World Cup final. Source: The Guardian Football - https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/19/spain-argentina-world-cup-final-player-ratings