Spain are the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, securing Spain’s second World Cup title and their first since 2010.
The victory also marked the end of what is widely expected to be Lionel Messi’s final FIFA World Cup appearance. The 39-year-old Argentine captain, who entered the final with eight goals and four assists in the tournament, was unable to inspire another late comeback as Spain’s disciplined defence neutralised Argentina throughout the match.
Spain dominated possession and created the better chances from the opening whistle, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a string of outstanding saves to keep the score level. The game changed dramatically in stoppage time of normal time when Enzo Fernández was shown a red card, leaving Argentina to play extra time with ten men. Spain eventually broke the deadlock when Nico Williams headed the ball into the danger area and Ferran Torres finished from close range.
Argentina struggled to create meaningful opportunities throughout the contest, managing very little attacking threat against a Spanish side that finished the tournament with one of the best defensive records in World Cup history. Spain conceded just one goal in eight matches, setting a new benchmark for a World Cup-winning team.
Under coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain completed a remarkable campaign after eliminating Portugal, Belgium and France before overcoming Argentina in the final. The triumph adds the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Spain’s recent European Championship success and reinforces the country’s status as one of world football’s dominant forces.
For Argentina, the defeat ends their bid to retain the World Cup title won in Qatar in 2022. Despite another memorable tournament from Messi, the defending champions fell just short against a younger and more dominant Spanish side led by stars including Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Ferran Torres.
