Spanish footballer Álex Baena has joined a select group of players with three major titles following Spain's victory in the 2026 World Cup [1].

The win marks a historic return to the top of global football for Spain, establishing a new generation of champions while cementing Baena's place among the sport's most decorated athletes.

Spain secured the championship in a final match against Argentina [1]. The victory ended a drought that lasted 16 years [1], marking the first time the nation has held the trophy since its previous win in 2010 [2].

By capturing the title, Baena now belongs to an exclusive group of players who have won three major titles [3]. This achievement places him alongside legendary figures such as Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María [1].

The triumph represents a significant shift in the international landscape, bringing the trophy back to Spain after more than a decade of absence. Baena's role in the squad has positioned him as a central figure in the team's tactical success during the tournament.

Spain's path to the final culminated in the clash with Argentina, a match that decided the 2026 champion [1]. The victory restores Spain's status as a dominant force in international soccer, echoing the success of the 2010 squad [2].

Spain’s victory ended a 16-year drought since their last World Cup title in 2010

Spain's 2026 World Cup victory signals a return to global dominance for the national team, breaking a long period of instability following their 2010 success. For Álex Baena, achieving three major titles elevates his professional standing to a tier shared by only a few players in history, including icons like Lionel Messi, shifting the narrative of the current era toward a new set of elite winners.