Spain claimed the 2026 FIFA World Cup title with a 1-0 extra-time victory over defending champions Argentina after substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of a tense final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The match remained goalless for more than 100 minutes as both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Spain eventually broke the deadlock when Torres, introduced from the bench, found the net with his side’s 20th attempt on goal to secure the country’s second World Cup triumph.
Following the final whistle, tensions spilled over as players from both teams became involved in a brief altercation on the pitch.
Reflecting on his match-winning goal, Torres said, “It was a goal scored by 47 million people – it wasn’t even mine or from the 26 players. It was destined to happen; it was meant to be a winner.”
Argentina captain Lionel Messi, appearing in his third World Cup final, struggled to make an impact as Spain controlled possession for much of the contest. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was also largely subdued, with substitutes Torres and Nico Williams providing the spark that ultimately changed the game.
The final marked the fifth time in the last six World Cup finals that the title was decided in extra time.
Spain dominated possession and finished with 20 shots, including 12 on target, while Argentina managed only two attempts throughout the match and failed to register a shot during the regulation 90 minutes.
Argentina’s frustrations grew late in the game, with Enzo Fernández receiving a red card in stoppage time after a challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
The final was attended by US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Trump later presented the World Cup trophy to the Spanish team.
The pre-match ceremony featured performances, fireworks and celebrity appearances, including Justin Bieber, Madonna and fictional football coach Ted Lasso, while Shakira performed during an extended halftime show.
Spain, who played without a traditional striker, repeatedly threatened but struggled to convert their chances until Torres delivered the breakthrough in extra time.
The victory also marked a milestone for head coach Luis de la Fuente, who at 65 became the oldest manager to win a FIFA World Cup. Under his leadership, Spain have now gone unbeaten in 38 consecutive matches across all competitions, a record for a European or South American national team.
Speaking after the victory, De la Fuente said, “I’m so proud of this generation of footballers who have grown up with this philosophy, remained true to it, made it even better and set an example as a team and a family – they’re excellent, world-class footballers with exceptional talent.”
He added, “I’m very moved. Looking back and thinking about them, we’ve won everything, absolutely everything, with this generation of players.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players despite the defeat and paid tribute to Messi.
“I have never in my life – please bear with me – I would have never imagined, including my staff, that we would be in this place,” he said.
Speaking about his captain, Scaloni added, “I hope that everyone feels proud of him, of what he’s achieved because he’s the best football player ever.”
He concluded, “It’s hard for people to enjoy being runners-up as much as being winners…. We have to go on.”
