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Rabat – Spain have won the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating 10-man Argentina 1-0 following extra time in Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, ending Argentina’s resistance and securing Spain’s second world title after their first triumph in 2010.
Pedro Porro delivered a cross from the right, Nico Williams headed the ball into Torres’ path and the Barcelona forward finished emphatically beyond Emiliano Martínez.
Martínez keeps Argentina alive
Spain controlled possession and created nearly all the chances during regulation time, but repeatedly came up against an inspired Martínez.
The Argentina goalkeeper made 10 saves during the opening 90 minutes, setting a World Cup final record and keeping the score level despite Spain registering 15 attempts before extra time.
Lamine Yamal came close to finding the breakthrough late in regulation, but Martínez denied the 19-year-old’s powerful free kick.
Argentina, meanwhile, struggled to create opportunities and did not register a shot during the opening 90 minutes.
Enzo Fernández sent off
Argentina’s task became even more difficult when Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card during stoppage time at the end of regulation.
The midfielder’s dismissal left Lionel Scaloni’s side with 10 players for the entirety of extra time.
Spain believed they had finally taken the lead in the 96th minute when Nico Williams found the net, but referee Slavko Vinčić ruled out the goal for a foul by Mikel Merino on Nicolás Otamendi during the build-up.
The decision sparked controversy, with replays appearing to show limited contact between the two players.
Spain continued to press and were eventually rewarded through Torres early in the second period of extra time.
Argentina attempted to respond during the closing minutes, but Spain remained composed and protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The victory denied Argentina the opportunity to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.
It also brought a disappointing conclusion to what could prove to be Lionel Messi’s final appearance in the tournament.
Spain finished the match with 20 attempts, including 12 on target, while Argentina’s only late effort carried little threat.
A second World Title for La Roja
The triumph completes an exceptional period for Spanish football following the country’s victory at Euro 2024.
Luis de la Fuente’s team entered the final unbeaten in 37 matches and maintained that run by overcoming the defending world champions on the sport’s biggest stage.
Spain’s path to the trophy included knockout victories over Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France before their extra-time success against Argentina.
For Yamal and Spain’s emerging generation, the win marks the beginning of a new chapter. For experienced players including Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo, it confirms Spain’s return to the summit of international football.
Sixteen years after Andrés Iniesta delivered their first World Cup title in South Africa, another extra-time goal has made Spain world champions once again.
