Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time on Sunday to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States, securing their second world title.
Spain controlled much of the first half, with Lamine Yamal forcing an early save from Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, while Lionel Messi was kept largely quiet by Spain’s disciplined defence.
Despite Spain’s dominance in possession and attacking intent, the opening 45 minutes ended goalless, with Argentina failing to register a shot on target.
The defending champions emerged with greater urgency after the break, pressing high under coach Lionel Scaloni, but Spain continued to dictate possession and repeatedly pinned Argentina deep inside their own half.
Although La Roja created several promising opportunities, Argentina’s resilient defence held firm, forcing the match into extra time.
Argentina’s hopes suffered a major setback when Enzo Fernandez was shown a late red card, leaving the South Americans to play the closing stages with 10 men.
The breakthrough finally came in the 106th minute when Pedro Porro delivered a cross to the back post, Nico Williams nodded the ball into the path of Ferran Torres, who fired a powerful finish into the roof of the net.
Torres’ decisive strike secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, ending a 16-year wait since Andres Iniesta’s extra-time winner against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final.