Spain Beat Argentina to Win FIFA World Cup 2026, Claim Second Title After Ferran Torres’ Extra-Time Heroics
Spain are world champions once again. La Roja defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal to secure the nation’s second World Cup title and end Argentina’s reign.
The victory capped a dominant display from Luis de la Fuente’s side, who controlled possession and created the overwhelming majority of the game’s chances before finally breaking through in the 98th minute.
Torres, introduced from the bench, finished clinically after fellow substitute Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro’s cross back across goal, beating Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to send Spain into celebration.
Spain Dominate Before Finding the Winner
Spain dictated the tempo throughout the final, registering wave after wave of attacks while Argentina struggled to establish any sustained possession. Despite controlling the contest, Spain found Martínez in inspired form as the Aston Villa goalkeeper produced several key saves to keep the score level during regulation.
Argentina’s task became even more difficult late in normal time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card for bringing down Pau Cubarsí, forcing Lionel Scaloni’s side to play the closing stages and extra time with 10 men.
Spain finally capitalized on their numerical advantage early in extra time as Torres converted from close range following excellent work by Williams and Porro.
Argentina’s Late Push Falls Short
The defending champions barely threatened for much of the match but mounted a late response after falling behind.
Lionel Messi saw an effort blocked in extra time before Giuliano Simeone fired over the crossbar as Argentina searched desperately for an equalizer that would have forced a penalty shootout.
Spain’s disciplined defense held firm to preserve the clean sheet and seal a famous victory.
Spain Lift Second World Cup Trophy
The triumph marks Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, adding to the trophy they won in South Africa in 2010. It also crowns a remarkable period for Spanish football following their recent success at the UEFA European Championship.
For Argentina, the defeat ends their reign as world champions after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022.
Star-Studded Final in New York
The final at New York New Jersey Stadium attracted a host of world leaders, sports figures and celebrities.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino watched the match alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, while Spain’s King Felipe VI, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum were among the dignitaries in attendance.
