Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating 10-man Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic final decided in extra time at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in the United States.
Ferran Torres emerged the hero, scored the decisive goal in the second half of extra time to hand La Furia Roja their second World Cup title and deny Argentina the chance to become the first nation since 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
Argentina’s hopes suffered a major setback when Enzo Fernández was sent off deep into stoppage time at the end of regulation, forcing the South Americans to play the additional period with 10 men.
The final attracted several world leaders and dignitaries. Spain’s King Felipe VI watched from the stands as his country celebrated victory, while United States President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were also in attendance. Argentina’s President reportedly remained in Buenos Aires, maintaining a personal superstition of not attending the national team’s matches.
Spain created the better chances throughout the contest. Lamine Yamal forced an early save from Emiliano Martínez, while goalkeeper Unai Simón rushed off his line to deny Lionel Messi a clear scoring opportunity.
After the break, Spain continued to dominate, with Álex Baena, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Pau Cubarsí all testing Martínez, who produced a series of outstanding saves to keep Argentina in the game. The Aston Villa goalkeeper finished with 10 saves, including a superb late stop from Yamal’s free-kick to send the match into extra time.
Spain thought they had broken the deadlock in the first half of extra time through Nico Williams, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Nicolás Otamendi in the build-up. Mikel Merino also came close with a header that drifted narrowly wide.
Torres eventually found the breakthrough, converting Spain’s winner in the second period of extra time. Argentina pushed forward desperately in the closing moments, inspired by Messi, but Juliano Simeone fired over the bar as Spain held firm to seal a memorable victory.
The triumph added the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 title, making them the only European nation to have achieved consecutive European Championship and World Cup triumphs on two separate occasions.
