Martin Zubimendi makes World Cup final debut in Spain's victory

Martin Zubimendi made his World Cup final debut as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time on July 20, 2026. The 27-year-old Arsenal midfielder entered the game in the 99th minute alongside Eric Garcia, becoming the first players to debut in a final since Edson Braafheid in 2010.

What happened in the match?

Spain secured their second World Cup title with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Argentina. The match went into extra time before Spain's late winner. Zubimendi and Garcia played the final 21 minutes, replacing teammates in a high-stakes substitution.

Why this is historic for Zubimendi

Zubimendi's appearance marked a rare achievement-only the second time in World Cup history that a player debuted in the final. The last instance was Braafheid's substitute role for the Netherlands in 2010. With 27 caps, Zubimendi has become a key figure in Spain's midfield under manager Luis De la Fuente.

What comes next for Zubimendi?

After this historic moment, Zubimendi will return to club duties with Arsenal. His performance in the World Cup final could boost his profile ahead of the new Premier League season. Fans will watch closely to see if he can carry this momentum into domestic and Champions League competitions.