Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in the United States.
Ferran Torres emerged the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the second half of extra time to hand La Roja their second World Cup title and deny Argentina the chance to become the first nation since 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
Argentina’s challenge suffered a major setback when Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time of normal time, forcing the defending champions to play the remainder of the contest, including extra time, with 10 men.
The final attracted several world leaders and dignitaries, including Spain’s King, United States President Donald Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, while Argentina’s president watched from Buenos Aires, maintaining a long-standing personal tradition.
Spain dominated much of the encounter and created the better chances. Lamine Yamal tested Emiliano Martínez early, while goalkeeper Unai Simón raced off his line to thwart Lionel Messi in one of Argentina’s best opportunities.
Martínez kept Argentina in the contest with a series of outstanding saves, denying Álex Baena, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Pau Cubarsí before producing a remarkable stop from Yamal’s late free-kick to send the match into extra time. The Aston Villa goalkeeper finished with a record 10 saves in a World Cup final.
Spain briefly thought they had taken the lead in the first period of extra time through Nico Williams, but the effort was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Mikel Merino also went close with a header that drifted narrowly wide.
The breakthrough finally came in the second half of extra time when Torres converted the winning goal to settle the contest.
Argentina pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but Juliano Simeone missed their best chance as Spain held on to secure the title.
The victory completes a remarkable run for Spain, who add the 2026 World Cup to their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph, becoming the first European nation to win consecutive European Championship and World Cup titles on two separate occasions.
