Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a gripping final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal to seal La Roja’s second world title.
The showpiece match was a tense tactical battle from the outset. Spain controlled possession and dictated the tempo through Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, while Argentina, marshalled by Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez, defended resolutely and looked to spring forward through Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.
Emiliano Martínez produced a string of outstanding saves to keep the holders level as Spain repeatedly threatened without finding a breakthrough.
After a goalless 90 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken in the second period of extra time. Nico Williams rose to meet Pedro Porro’s delivery and nodded the ball into the path of substitute Ferran Torres, who calmly fired past Martínez in the 106th minute to spark jubilant celebrations among the Spanish supporters.
Argentina’s hopes of forcing penalties suffered a major blow when Enzo Fernández was sent off deep into stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card. Reduced to 10 men, Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled to mount a late response as Spain expertly managed the closing stages to secure the trophy.
Luis de la Fuente’s side capped a superb tournament by adding the World Cup to their recent European Championship triumph, having eliminated Portugal, Belgium, and France en route to the final before overcoming Argentina.
For the reigning champions, defeat ended their bid to retain the title won in Qatar in 2022 and denied Lionel Messi another World Cup crown.
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