Spain are the new kings of world football after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday night, denying Lionel Messi and his teammates a chance to retain the trophy.
Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero, climbing off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 106th minute and hand La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title.
The victory marks another milestone for head coach Luis de la Fuente, who has now added the World Cup to the UEFA Euro 2024 title he guided Spain to two years ago.
The final at MetLife Stadium was a tense affair, with both sides creating chances but struggling to find the breakthrough during regulation time.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a string of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest. The Aston Villa shot-stopper denied Lamine Yamal early in the game before making further crucial stops from Ferran Torres, Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams as Spain piled on the pressure.
Argentina’s hopes suffered a major setback late in normal time when Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, forcing the South Americans to play the remainder of the final with 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina defended bravely and looked set to force a penalty shootout, with Martínez continuing his outstanding display by producing another excellent save from a Lamine Yamal free-kick.
Spain thought they had broken the deadlock early in extra time, but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 106th minute when Nico Williams lifted the ball over the Argentine defence for Ferran Torres, who calmly fired past Martínez to send the Spanish supporters into celebration.
Argentina threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but Spain’s disciplined defence stood firm until the final whistle to seal a famous victory.
The triumph ends Spain’s 16-year wait for another World Cup title following their success in 2010 and further establishes La Roja among football’s elite nations, while Argentina are left to reflect on a valiant but heartbreaking defeat in what could be Lionel Messi’s final appearance on the World Cup stage.
