Benni McCarthy explains how Spain outclassed Argentina to win World Cup
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 22.07.26. | 10:56
Spain left it late, with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute of extra time to seal the victory and secure the nation's second FIFA World Cup title.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has explained how Spain outclassed Argentina to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
La Roja capped a remarkable World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in the final played on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Spain left it late, with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute of extra time to seal the victory and secure the nation's second FIFA World Cup title.
Beyond the result, it was the manner of Spain's performance that caught the world's attention. Luis de la Fuente's side dominated possession and restricted Lionel Messi's Argentina to zero shots on target throughout the match.
Speaking as an analyst on Sporty TV, McCarthy broke down the tactical superiority that brought Messi's World Cup journey to a heartbreaking end.
"In the final, I said the Argentinian team was going to be very physical. But what Spain has is movement. They have players with mobility, and they do not take three, four, five or six touches unnecessarily," said McCarthy.
The former Bafana Bafana striker praised Spain's ability to neutralise Argentina's aggressive approach.
"They did not allow the Argentinians to get close to them, pressure them or rattle them. It was all one-touch football, control, pass, then move into space," he added.
McCarthy also believes Spain were worthy champions after growing into the tournament.
"Well deserved. I think they started slowly. The Cape Verde game made things really difficult for them. But after that match, they started gaining momentum. You began to see Spain playing the way we know they can play," he said.
Back home, Harambee Stars supporters will be hoping McCarthy can instil some of Spain's fluid, possession-based style into the Kenyan national team as they continue their rebuilding process.
