Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, securing a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in the final at MetLife Stadium.
La Roja dominated from start to finish. Torres scored with Spain’s 20th shot, while Argentina did not register a single shot on target.
The Barcelona forward scored early in the second period of extra time, finishing after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro’s cross into his path to break the deadlock.
Spain controlled possession and consistently threatened, forcing Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez into several outstanding saves. Notably, he denied Williams at the start of extra time to keep the match level.
Spain imposed their possession-based style, while Argentina relied on individual moments from Lionel Messi.
This approach had carried the Albiceleste through the tournament, with the 39-year-old inspiring comeback wins over Egypt and England. However, against a younger, more energetic, and technically superior Spanish side, Argentina struggled to create meaningful chances.
Argentina did not register their first shot until the 115th minute, the latest first attempt ever recorded in a FIFA World Cup match.
The final was fiercely contested, with referee Slavko Vinčić allowing play to continue despite several robust challenges. Argentina’s frustrations increased late in extra time when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsí.
The match marked the end of Lionel Messi’s World Cup career. Having confirmed this would be his final tournament, the Argentine captain concluded with eight goals and four assists in another outstanding campaign.
It was Argentina’s third World Cup final appearance in the last four editions, having finished runners-up to Germany in 2014 before lifting the trophy against France in 2022.
For Spain, the victory capped a remarkable tournament. Already European champions, Luis de la Fuente’s side conceded only one goal in eight matches, against Belgium in the quarter-finals, as they claimed their second FIFA World Cup title.
The Spanish coach was vindicated for several bold selection decisions, including leaving Pedri on the bench, as La Roja combined defensive solidity with attacking quality to win the title again.
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