Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Ferran Torres delivered a decisive extra-time winner to secure a tense 1-0 victory over Argentina in a gripping final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The dramatic encounter, played before a packed crowd, saw Spain finally break Argentina’s resistance in the 106th minute to lift their second World Cup title and their first since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.
Despite dominating possession and dictating much of the contest, Spain were repeatedly denied by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, whose outstanding performance kept the defending champions in the game throughout regulation time. La Roja created the majority of the clear-cut opportunities and even had a goal disallowed, but were unable to find a way past the inspired shot-stopper during the first 90 minutes.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi and seeking a fourth World Cup crown, struggled to impose themselves offensively as Spain controlled large spells of the match. However, Scaloni’s men remained resilient, frustrating their opponents and forcing the contest into extra time.
The South Americans suffered a major setback deep into stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Argentina to face the additional 30 minutes with 10 men.
Spain capitalised on their numerical advantage shortly after extra time began. In the 106th minute, Nico Williams delivered a dangerous ball into the area, which Torres met with precision before firing beyond Martínez to send Spanish supporters into celebration.
The goal ultimately proved decisive as Argentina launched a desperate late push in search of an equaliser. The defending champions threw numbers forward and pressed relentlessly in the closing stages, but Spain’s disciplined defence held firm to preserve their slender advantage.
The victory marked a historic moment for Spain, who ended a 16-year wait for football’s biggest prize and reaffirmed their place among the sport’s elite nations. For Argentina, it was a heartbreaking conclusion to their title defence as their dream of adding a fourth World Cup trophy slipped away despite a spirited effort.
As the final whistle sounded, Spain celebrated a hard-earned triumph built on patience, dominance and persistence, with Torres emerging as the hero who delivered World Cup glory on football’s grandest stage.
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