“Admired by millions“ - Tokayev congratulated Spain on their World Cup victory

Tengrinews.kz — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a telegram of congratulations to the King of Spain, citing the Akorda press service.
The President of Kazakhstan congratulated King Felipe VI and his compatriots on the Spanish national team's triumph at the FIFA World Cup and their second-ever title victory.

"The high level of skill, cohesive teamwork, and the will to win displayed by your national team have earned the admiration of millions of fans. Spain's world-renowned expertise in football serves as a model for other countries. Taking this opportunity, I would like to highlight the opening of the Atletico Madrid Academy in Kazakhstan this year. I am confident that this initiative will provide a powerful impetus to strengthening the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between our nations, as well as fostering contacts between our youth," the telegram reads.

The President of Kazakhstan wished King Felipe VI success in his constructive endeavors, and well-being and prosperity to the friendly people of Spain.
As a reminder, the Spanish and Argentine national teams faced off in the decisive World Cup match on the night of July 20. The 2026 World Cup final took place in New York.
Spain vs. Argentina: Match highlights
The defending world champions started the match cautiously, with the Spaniards taking possession and immediately creating chances near the opponent's goal.
However, the Argentines exploited De la Fuente's high defensive line to launch counterattacks. In one such instance, only a timely exit by Simón saved the team.
Despite the physical nature of the game, the referee did not produce a yellow card until the 41st minute, when Lisandro Martínez broke up a Spanish attack. Shortly after the booking, the Argentine manager substituted Martínez due to injury, bringing on 38-year-old Nicolás Otamendi.

The first-ever @FIFAWorldCup™ Topps Final Halftime Show! ???? pic.twitter.com/Yypr6oX5Nh
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 19, 2026
Second half
The second half began with Leandro Paredes coming on to replace Nico González. By the 52nd minute, Paredes had already received a booking.
With every passing minute, the Spanish attacks grew more dangerous. Martínez struggled to parry shots from Olmo and Yamal midway through the half.
In the 67th minute, Ferran Torres connected with a cross from Yamal for a dangerous header, but the goalkeeper was alert once again.
On the whole, Martínez was the standout hero of the second half. By the 86th minute, the goalkeeper had already made eight saves.
Another key moment of the half was the dismissal of Enzo Fernández for a foul on Cubarsí in the 93rd minute. Reduced to ten men, Argentina faced a dangerous free kick in the 97th minute of the match.
Lamine Yamal stepped up and sent a brilliant shot toward the far corner, but Emiliano Martínez produced another save to rescue his team.
The match went into extra time.
The fate of the final decided in extra time
The match continued in the same vein as regulation time. In the 92nd minute, Spain had another chance to take the lead, but Martínez managed to reach the ball after a strike by Nico Williams.
In the 97th minute, the ball finally found the back of the Argentine net, but the referee disallowed the goal due to an attacking foul.
However, in the 106th minute, Ferran Torres legally put the ball in the Argentine goal following a magnificent pass from Nico Williams.

⚽️ FERRAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNN!!!⚽️ GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL FOR SPAIN!!!THE SHARK STRIKES WHEN IT MATTERS MOST!! ????❤️????????BELIEVE. KEEP GOING. WE'RE NOT DONE YET!!???????? ???? ???????? | 1-0 | 106’#VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/vXqFZiAv01
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) July 19, 2026
Only after conceding did the Argentines begin to make forays into the opponent's half. In the 115th minute, Messi attempted a cross to the far post—the ball took a deflection and nearly ended up in the net.
In the closing stages of extra time, Argentina managed a final onslaught, but several shots missed the Spanish goal.
The final score was 1-0 in favor of Spain.
Spain becomes the world football champion for the second time in its history. The team first won the title in 2010, though no players from that squad were included in the roster for this tournament.
For Messi, this final was his second consecutive World Cup final and the third of his career. In 2014, Argentina lost the final to Germany; in 2022, they defeated France.