Former Nigeria defender Ben Iroha has declared Spain worthy winners of the FIFA World Cup 2026, arguing that fate would have been cruel to the Spanish side had they fallen to Argentina in Sunday's final.

Speaking from his base in Texas shortly after captain Rodrigo Hernández lifted the trophy, Iroha told Completesports.com that Spain's triumph was thoroughly deserved.

"Spain were fantastic in the World Cup. They were obviously the best team of the tournament, and I'm not surprised that they won," he said.

Dominant from the first whistle

Spain controlled Sunday's final from start to finish, only to find themselves repeatedly thwarted by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The shot-stopper produced a stunning display — catching, parrying, and punching away every effort with composure and astonishing reflexes — to keep Argentina alive in the contest.

The match stretched into extra time before Ferran Torres settled it with a decisive strike in the 106th minute, securing Spain's second FIFA World Cup title.

"Right from the start of the tournament, Spain demonstrated their intention and readiness for the challenge. They won six of their matches in regulation time and two — against Switzerland and Argentina — in extra time, demonstrating their strength and quality," Iroha said.

A campaign built on discipline and goals

Iroha praised Spain's ability to combine attacking fluency with defensive solidity throughout the tournament, noting that they scored 14 goals while conceding only one across their eight matches.

"They were compact, fluid, and never lost concentration or focus, regardless of the opposition. Besides, they scored goals while maintaining a disciplined back line," he said.

"For me, fate would have been cruel to them if they hadn't won the trophy after playing so well throughout the tournament, scoring 14 goals and conceding only one."

The former Nigeria international signed off with a message of congratulations: "They played so well to deserve the title, and I'm happy for them."