Yeremy Pino has become the first Crystal Palace player to be part of a World Cup-winning squad after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 final.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal during extra time at the MetLife Stadium as Spain secured a 1-0 victory and their second men’s world title.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez kept his side level with a record 12 saves before Torres struck in the 106th minute. Enzo Fernández had earlier been sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Pino did not feature in the final, but the Palace winger will receive a winner’s medal after being included in Luis de la Fuente’s tournament squad.
The 23-year-old made his World Cup debut during Spain’s group-stage campaign. His involvement was later restricted by a shoulder injury suffered against Uruguay.
Palace have their first world champion
Pino’s success creates a new piece of history for Palace.
As TalkSPORT noted before the final, Spain’s victory would make him the first Palace player to form part of a World Cup-winning squad.
The achievement completes a memorable first year in English football following his move from Villarreal in August 2025.
Palace supporters had followed Pino’s progress throughout the competition, with ReadCrystalPalace previously covering his continued involvement during the knockout stages.
Pino will now receive a break before joining Pierre Sage’s pre-season preparations. Palace will also assess his shoulder before deciding when he can return to full training.
His minutes may have been limited after the group stage, but his place in Spain’s squad has earned him football’s biggest prize.
A Crystal Palace player is officially a world champion.
