Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, collecting a headed pass from Nico Williams before firing past goalkeeper Emiliano MartÃnez from close range to hand Spain their second men’s World Cup title.
The victory ended Argentina’s reign as world champions and made Spain the first country to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles.
Spain dominated much of the final but were frustrated for long periods by Argentina’s disciplined defending and an outstanding performance from MartÃnez, who produced several crucial saves to keep his side in the contest.
The match became more physical as it progressed, with referee Slavko Vincic repeatedly called upon to manage a series of robust challenges.
Argentina’s task became even more difficult in stoppage time at the end of normal time when midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card and was sent off for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau CubarsÃ.
Despite the numerical advantage, Spain had to wait until extra time to make the breakthrough.
ALSO READ: Drake places $1.5m bet on Argentina to defeat Spain in World Cup final
MartÃnez denied Lamine Yamal with an excellent save from a late free-kick before also stopping a Williams header early in extra time. Williams later had a goal ruled out after substitute Mikel Merino was penalised for fouling Nicolás Otamendi in the build-up.
However, Spain finally found the winner when Williams headed the ball into the path of Torres, who finished emphatically to settle the contest.
The final failed to produce the attacking spectacle many had anticipated despite featuring two of world football’s strongest teams.
Spain created the clearer chances throughout the match, with Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal testing MartÃnez in the first half, while Argentina struggled to create meaningful opportunities for captain Lionel Messi.
Messi, who had inspired Argentina with eight goals during the tournament, was largely contained by Spain’s defence and failed to register a shot on target. The Real Madrid-bound forward found little space throughout the contest as Spain controlled possession and dictated play.
Argentina had reached the final after victories over Egypt and England in the knockout rounds, but Lionel Scaloni’s side were unable to retain the trophy they won in Qatar four years earlier.
For Spain, the triumph capped an impressive campaign under head coach Luis de la Fuente, whose side recovered from an opening goalless draw against Cape Verde to lift football’s biggest prize.
Spain also defeated France in the semi-finals before overcoming Argentina in the final to claim their first World Cup title since their triumph in South Africa in 2010.
The final also featured several off-field attractions, with United States President Donald Trump attending the match and music stars Madonna and Justin Bieber performing during the first FIFA World Cup half-time show, extending the interval to 27 minutes.
Spain’s victory completed another successful chapter for De la Fuente, who previously guided the country to the UEFA Euro 2024 title and has now added the FIFA World Cup to his growing list of achievements.
