2026 FIFA World Cup Awards: Golden Ball, Boot & Glove Winners Revealed

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final was a tense, low‑scoring affair – Spain edged Argentina 1‑0, and the celebrations that followed were anything but quiet. Amid the fireworks and the roar of the crowd, football’s biggest night also brought its own set of accolades.

First up, the coveted Golden Ball. It went to Spain’s midfield engine, Rodri. The Spanish midfielder, who orchestrated play from deep and kept his side’s tempo in check, was singled out for his “steady influence” throughout the tournament. It’s a personal triumph that rounds off what was already a historic campaign for La Roja.

On the scoring front, the Golden Boot found a familiar face – France’s Kylian Mbappé. The French forward struck ten goals in total, finishing two ahead of Lionel Messi. Mbappé’s blend of pace, precision and poise in front of goal made him the clear top‑scorer, even though France fell short in the final.

Between the posts, Spain’s Unai Simón earned the Golden Glove. The keeper kept a clean sheet in seven of his eight matches, conceding only a single goal – the one that decided the final. Those numbers, plus a series of crucial saves, cemented his place as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

There were a few other nods worth mentioning. Young defender Pau Cubarsí lifted the Young Player award, showcasing Europe’s next‑generation defensive talent at just 19. And the Dutch team walked away with the FIFA Fair Play award, recognized for their discipline and sportsmanship across the competition.

The awards were presented on the Sunday following the final, as reported by Bleacher Report on 19 July 2026. While the article didn’t specify the exact venue, the 2026 final is slated for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, adding an extra layer of North‑American flair to the festivities. All in all, the night celebrated both individual brilliance and the collective spirit that defines the World Cup.