Spain Crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup Champions After Extra-Time Victory Over Argentina

Ferran Torres scores in the 106th minute as Spain defeats defending champion Argentina 1-0 in New Jersey

Spain captured its second FIFA World Cup title after defeating Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic final that required extra time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, converting Nico Williams’ headed pass with a powerful finish. The breakthrough ended more than 100 minutes of resistance from Argentina and secured Spain’s first men’s World Cup championship since 2010.

Spain controls the final

Spain dominated possession and created most of the scoring opportunities from the opening whistle. Argentina remained organized defensively but struggled to build meaningful attacks against Spain’s disciplined back line.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced an outstanding performance to keep Argentina in the contest. He made a World Cup final-record 12 saves as Spain repeatedly tested the defending champions’ defence.

The match remained goalless through regulation time, despite Spain taking 15 shots while preventing Argentina from registering an attempt.

Argentina’s challenge became even more difficult in second-half stoppage time when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí. His dismissal reduced Argentina to 10 players for extra time.

Ferran Torres delivers the winning moment

Spain continued applying pressure against Argentina’s deep defensive formation. The winning move arrived early in the second period of extra time when Pedro Porro delivered a cross towards the far post.

Nico Williams headed the ball back into the centre, where Torres arrived to drive it beyond Martínez and into the net.

Argentina pushed forward during the closing minutes, but Spain protected its narrow advantage until the final whistle.

The 1-0 victory gave Spain its second men’s World Cup trophy, 16 years after defeating the Netherlands in the 2010 final. Spain also became the first country to hold the men’s and women’s World Cup titles simultaneously, following its women’s championship in 2023.

Historic tournament for Spain

Spain completed the expanded 48-team tournament without a defeat and extended its international unbeaten run to 38 matches.

Luis de la Fuente’s team conceded only one goal across eight games, setting a new defensive standard for a World Cup champion. At 65, De la Fuente also became the oldest coach to win the men’s World Cup.

Spain’s campaign combined experienced leadership with an emerging generation led by 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, alongside players such as Williams, Cubarsí, Pedri and tournament captain Rodri.

Emotional ending for Lionel Messi

The defeat ended Argentina’s attempt to win consecutive World Cups after its triumph in Qatar in 2022.

The final may also have marked Lionel Messi’s last appearance at the tournament. At 39, Messi became only the second footballer to play in three World Cup finals and the oldest outfield player to appear in the championship match.

Although Argentina could not successfully defend its title, Messi’s international career includes the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América championships and an Olympic gold medal.

More than 80,000 spectators attended the final, bringing the first 48-team FIFA World Cup—co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico—to a dramatic conclusion.

Spain now leaves North America with a second star above its crest and a young squad capable of remaining a major force in international football for years to come.