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Soccer fans gather at Place des Festivals in Montreal on July 19, 2026, to watch the FIFA Men\u2019s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. (Lola Kalder, CityNews)<\/p>\nThousands of soccer fans packed Place des Festivals on Sunday to watch Spain defeat defending champion Argentina 1-0 in extra time of the FIFA Men\u2019s World Cup final, sparking celebrations in downtown Montreal.<\/p>\n
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winner in the 106th minute, giving Spain its first World Cup title since 2010 and ending Argentina\u2019s hopes of winning back-to-back championships.<\/p>\n
As the final whistle blew, Spanish supporters erupted in cheers, waving flags and chanting \u201cOl\u00e9, Ol\u00e9, Ol\u00e9.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut now, last minute Spain won, so I feel really good. I\u2019m really happy,\u201d one Montreal fan said after the match.<\/p>\n
Soccer fans gather at Place des Festivals in Montreal on July 19, 2026, to watch the FIFA Men\u2019s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. (Lola Kalder, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Montr\u00e9al Roses FC player shares excitement for World Cup final<\/p>\n
Among those watching was Montr\u00e9al Roses FC midfielder Marie-Yasmine \u201cMimi\u201d Alidou, who came to enjoy the atmosphere and follow the action as a player and a fan.<\/p>\n
Alidou said she was hoping to see more from Argentina early in the match, especially while cheering for superstar Lionel Messi.<\/p>\n
The professional player said the atmosphere surrounding the World Cup shows the ability of soccer to connect people across cultures and backgrounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cFootball is the best sport in the world. It unites people from all over the world. Different backgrounds, anything,\u201d Alidou said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFootball doesn\u2019t care about money, so I think it\u2019s a good place to be with people that you don\u2019t know or just come first and watch the game. So I think it unites everyone, and it\u2019s magical.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Image-7-5-1024x768.jpg\")
Montr\u00e9al Roses FC midfielder Marie-Yasmine \u201cMimi\u201d Alidou attends a FIFA Men\u2019s World Cup final viewing event at Place des Festivals in Montreal on July 19, 2026. (Lola Kalder, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Another young supporter, proudly waving a Spanish flag, simply answered \u201cYes!\u201d when asked if he was happy Spain had won.<\/p>\n
Not everyone in the crowd was cheering for the champions. Many fans had hoped to see Lionel Messi lead Argentina to another World Cup title.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like Messi, but I\u2019m very happy for Spain,\u201d said one fan.<\/p>\n
Another supporter said the result was even sweeter because it matched their prediction.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so happy that Spain won. Initially I had a prediction that it was going to be 1-0, and today\u2019s my birthday. I\u2019m so happy,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
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Fans celebrate Spain\u2019s 1-0 FIFA World Cup Final win over Argentina in Place des Festivals in Montreal on July 19, 2026, (Lola Kalder, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Argentina supporters were left disappointed after watching their team struggle to find an equalizer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s disappointment for us. We didn\u2019t play enough. It was hard for us to control the ball,\u201d one fan said.<\/p>\n
Another said despite the loss, there was still plenty to be proud of.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have the words right now, but we are proud of our team. It was a good game,\u201d the fan said.<\/p>\n
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Young soccer fan wears Lionel Messi jersey at Place des Festivals in Montreal on July 19, 2026, to watch the FIFA Men\u2019s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. (Lola Kalder, CityNews)<\/p>\n
The public viewing coincided with the Just for Laughs festival, bringing thousands of people together in the heart of downtown Montreal to watch the sport\u2019s biggest match. By the end of the afternoon, the celebration belonged to Spain as fans embraced, sang and celebrated their country\u2019s return to the top of world soccer.<\/p>\n
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\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tSoccer fans gather at Place des Festivals in Montreal on July 19, 2026, to watch the FIFA Men\u2019s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. (Lola Kalder, CityNews) <\/p>\n
\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n
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