Spain Defeat Argentina to Win Second FIFA World Cup Title

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing their second world title and first since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.

Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, converting from close range after a headed pass from Nico Williams following Pedro Porro’s cross.

Spain dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match, while defending champions Argentina struggled to threaten the Spanish goal. Lionel Messi’s side failed to register a shot on target until the 116th minute, when the Argentine captain’s effort was blocked by the Spanish defense.

Argentina’s hopes of forcing a penalty shootout suffered a major setback in the 90th minute when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a challenge on Pau Cubarsí.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez kept Argentina in the contest with a record 11 saves in a World Cup final, but he was unable to prevent Torres’ late winner.

The victory marks Spain’s second World Cup triumph after their 2010 success and completes a remarkable double, having entered the tournament as reigning European champions. Spain also finished the tournament with the best defensive record, conceding only one goal in eight matches.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente became the oldest manager to win the FIFA World Cup, while Spain extended their unbeaten run to 38 international matches, setting a new record for the longest unbeaten streak by a men’s national team.

For Argentina, the defeat ended their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup title. Messi, who scored eight goals during the tournament, finished two behind France’s Kylian Mbappé, who claimed the Golden Boot with 10 goals.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. It concluded with Spain lifting the trophy after an impressive campaign that established them once again as world champions.