Washington: In a tightly contested final against the 2022 world champions, La Roja held their nerve and delivered a disciplined performance to seal a famous victory. The result also drew attention to EA Sports FC, which had predicted Spain as the 2026 World Cup winner, marking its fifth consecutive correct prediction since 2010.

EA Sports, formerly linked with the FIFA video game series, uses tournament simulations to forecast World Cup outcomes. Its predictions have now matched the winners in 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 — Spain, Germany, France, Argentina and Spain again.

Spain’s road to the title was not without challenges. The tournament began with surprises, including Cape Verde holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opening match. While France and Spain were seen as leading favourites before the tournament, several underdogs produced impressive performances along the way.

However, Spain grew stronger as the competition progressed. Their title-winning campaign was built on an outstanding defensive record, with the team conceding just one goal throughout the tournament. On their way to the final, Spain overcame strong opponents including Belgium, Portugal and France.

The triumph was also powered by a new generation of Spanish talent. Nineteen-year-olds Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí played key roles in the campaign, with Yamal providing energy and threat in attack while Cubarsí proved vital in defence.

For both teenagers, it was a dream World Cup debut. For Spain, it was a return to the top of world football, and another prediction proven right by EA Sports FC.