Thousands celebrate Spain’s World Cup victory over Argentina in downtown Montreal
Posted July 19, 2026 4:10 pm.
Last Updated July 19, 2026 9:55 pm.
Thousands 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’s World Cup final, sparking celebrations in downtown Montreal.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winner in the 106th minute, giving Spain its first World Cup title since 2010 and ending Argentina’s hopes of winning back-to-back championships.
As the final whistle blew, Spanish supporters erupted in cheers, waving flags and chanting “Olé, Olé, Olé.”
“But now, last minute Spain won, so I feel really good. I’m really happy,” one Montreal fan said after the match.
Montréal Roses FC player shares excitement for World Cup final
Among those watching was Montréal Roses FC midfielder Marie-Yasmine “Mimi” Alidou, who came to enjoy the atmosphere and follow the action as a player and a fan.
Alidou said she was hoping to see more from Argentina early in the match, especially while cheering for superstar Lionel Messi.
The professional player said the atmosphere surrounding the World Cup shows the ability of soccer to connect people across cultures and backgrounds.
“Football is the best sport in the world. It unites people from all over the world. Different backgrounds, anything,” Alidou said.
“Football doesn’t care about money, so I think it’s a good place to be with people that you don’t know or just come first and watch the game. So I think it unites everyone, and it’s magical.”
Another young supporter, proudly waving a Spanish flag, simply answered “Yes!” when asked if he was happy Spain had won.
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.
“I like Messi, but I’m very happy for Spain,” said one fan.
Another supporter said the result was even sweeter because it matched their prediction.
“I’m so happy that Spain won. Initially I had a prediction that it was going to be 1-0, and today’s my birthday. I’m so happy,” they said.
Argentina supporters were left disappointed after watching their team struggle to find an equalizer.
“It’s disappointment for us. We didn’t play enough. It was hard for us to control the ball,” one fan said.
Another said despite the loss, there was still plenty to be proud of.
“I don’t have the words right now, but we are proud of our team. It was a good game,” the fan said.
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’s biggest match. By the end of the afternoon, the celebration belonged to Spain as fans embraced, sang and celebrated their country’s return to the top of world soccer.
