Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The closely contested encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes despite Spain dominating possession and creating the better scoring opportunities. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a series of outstanding saves to keep the defending champions in the game, while Spain also had a goal ruled out during regulation time.
Argentina’s hopes of retaining the title suffered a major setback in stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, forcing Lionel Scaloni’s side to play extra time with 10 men.
Spain eventually broke the deadlock in the 106th minute when Torres connected with a cross from Nico Williams and calmly fired past Martínez to give his side the lead.
Argentina pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but Spain’s defence held firm to preserve the narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The victory earned Spain their second FIFA World Cup title and their first since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010. The triumph also denied Lionel Messi and Argentina the chance to claim a fourth World Cup crown and successfully defend the title they won in 2022.
