Spain are champions of the world once again after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, ending a fiercely contested battle at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
After 90 minutes of relentless Spanish dominance and stubborn Argentine resistance, substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to secure Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title.
Spain controlled virtually every aspect of the contest, finishing with 20 shots compared to Argentina’s two. However, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a series of outstanding saves to frustrate Luis de la Fuente’s side and keep the defending champions in the game for over 100 minutes.
Argentina’s resistance suffered a major blow moments before extra time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, forcing Lionel Scaloni’s side to play the final 30 minutes with 10 men.
Spain eventually found the breakthrough when Pedro Porro delivered a cross to the back post, where Nico Williams brilliantly kept the ball in play before squaring for Ferran Torres to fire beyond Martínez and spark wild celebrations among the Spanish supporters.
The victory capped a dominant performance from Spain, whose slick passing, relentless pressing and youthful energy overwhelmed an ageing Argentine side led by Lionel Messi in what is widely expected to be his final FIFA World Cup appearance.
Messi, making his last appearance on football’s biggest stage at the age of 39, struggled to influence proceedings as Spain successfully limited his impact throughout the match. Argentina did not register an attempt on goal until the 115th minute, when Messi’s effort was blocked by Mikel Merino.
Tensions boiled over after the final whistle as players from both teams became involved in a heated confrontation. Argentina’s Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes reacted angrily, with Paredes receiving a red card after shoving Spain midfielder Gavi during the post-match altercation.
Despite the disappointment, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged Spain’s superiority.
“They were the better side—that’s the truth—but I’ll cherish what this team achieved by reaching another World Cup final,” Scaloni said after the match.
The final also marked the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show, featuring performances from global music stars including Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS and Coldplay, alongside tributes to football legend Pelé and appearances by Brazilian icons Ronaldinho and Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, France finished third after defeating England 6-4 in an entertaining playoff, while French captain Kylian Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot with 10 goals and became the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 career goals.
Spain’s triumph also sees La Roja rise to the top of world football once again, completing a memorable campaign that showcased their technical brilliance, tactical discipline and the emergence of a new golden generation led by stars such as Nico Williams, Rodri, Gavi and match-winner Ferran Torres.