Spain are champions of the world once again after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic extra-time final to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday.
Ferran Torres etched his name into Spanish football history with a thunderous 106th-minute strike, securing Spain’s second World Cup title and ending Argentina’s reign as champions.
Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated proceedings from start to finish, registering 20 shots while restricting Lionel Messi’s Argentina to no shot on target throughout the three-hour contest. Messi, playing what is widely expected to be his final World Cup match, had a quiet outing, touching the ball just 54 times.
Torres’ decisive goal came after fellow substitute Nico Williams teed him up following an earlier effort by Williams that had been ruled out for a foul. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept Argentina in the game with a series of outstanding saves before finally being beaten.
Argentina’s task became even tougher when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time after receiving a second yellow card, leaving the South Americans to finish with 10 men.
Their only real chance arrived in the dying moments of extra time, but Giuliano Simeone fired over the bar, denying Argentina the opportunity to force a penalty shootout.
Spain’s triumph mirrored their historic 2010 World Cup victory, when Andrés Iniesta also scored in extra time after a goalless 90 minutes. This time, Ferran Torres delivered the decisive moment to return football’s biggest prize to Spain.
The victory extends Spain’s unbeaten run under coach Luis de la Fuente in major tournament matches, adding the 2026 FIFA World Cup to their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph.
The final ended on a sour note as tempers flared after the final whistle. Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were involved in ugly confrontations with Spanish players. Molina elbowed Spain captain Rodri, while Paredes kicked Eric Garcia, grabbed him by the neck and later struck substitute Gavi during the melee. Paredes was eventually shown a red card for his post-match actions.
Individual Awards
🏆 Player of the Tournament: Rodri (Spain)
🧤 Golden Glove: Unai Simón (Spain)
🌟 Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
Following the final whistle, U.S. President Donald Trump presented the winners’ medals and handed the FIFA World Cup trophy to the jubilant Spanish team.
Although heartbroken, Lionel Messi received a standing ovation from Argentina’s supporters, who remained in the stadium singing and applauding La Albiceleste. The emotional scene saw Messi acknowledge the fans in what could be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Spain leave the United States as deserving world champions, while Argentina bow out with dignity after an unforgettable tournament that once again showcased football’s passion, drama and enduring magic.
