'We feel like we are from Spain': Fans in Malta celebrate World Cup victory

For one night, nationality did not matter. As one fan put it, everyone at the Qawra fan zone felt “like we are from Spain”.

The crowd erupted as Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday night.

Times of Malta spoke to supporters as celebrations erupted into a frenzied cheer.

Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute of the game, which helped Spain win its second men's title. Spain has now reached the World Cup final twice. They won both times: in 2010 and again this year. 

The moment the goal went in, the fans went berserk, screaming, hugging each other, and shouting. Drinks flew up as fans jumped and waved red and yellow flags. 

The previous 90 minutes had been tense with fans clapping, shouting and booing in response to every refereeing decision.

The pressure felt almost palpable until Torres’s strike finally broke the deadlock in a match in which Argentina finished with 10 players.

'¡Viva España, viva Barcelona!’, supporters react to Spain’s triumph 

A Spanish fan waving their flag and jumping with joy after Spain won the World Cup Photo: Jonathan Borg

A Nepalese supporter living in Malta for seven years said he has supported Spain throughout the tournament.

“I support Spain from the beginning,” he said. “I’m very, very excited.”

Anastasia, another fan caught in the celebrations, said: “I feel very happy.”

A Polish couple, Hanna and Lucas Juta, voiced their sincere confidence in Spain’s chances.

“It was going to win from the first moment. I knew it,” Hanna said. "We just knew they [Spain] were going to be the king.”

Lucas added: “We feel like we are from Spain. ¡Viva España, viva Barcelona!"

Barcelona's pride and a long-awaited win

For Ebi from India, Spain's win carried personal weight. “It was a dream for like 16 years,” he said.

“So happy as a Barcelona fan. No hate for Messi, Messi is the best always, but for us today, Spain.” 

Another supporter, Gianluca, said the victory evoked a sense of sentimental nostalgia.

“These are beautiful moments that take me back to when I was young,” he said.

“Seeing them win again brings those memories together with the women’s victory two years ago. This is their third win in sixteen years, so I am very happy," he said.

He has supported Spain since he was seven years old and is now 26. 

England fans in Malta switched to Spain

Ahead of Sunday’s match, Times of Malta visited Ħamrun to ask locals who they would support after England’s elimination left many disappointed. 

The majority of those we spoke to said they intended to back Spain, citing their consistency, calm style and ability to handle pressure. 

The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to feature 48 teams. It was jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

This year’s final also featured the first World Cup Final Halftime Show. 

The break between the first and second half of the tournament lasted 27 minutes, the longest halftime break in the tournament's history.