Spain are back on top of world football. La Roja captured their second FIFA World Cup title after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a gripping FIFA World Cup 2026 Final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
The decisive moment came in the 106th minute, when substitute Ferran Torres fired home the only goal of the match, ending Argentina’s reign and delivering Spain’s first World Cup crown since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.
After 90 minutes of intense tactical football produced no breakthrough, Spain finally found the winner early in extra time.
A flowing move began with Pedri, who threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Nico Williams. The Athletic Club winger showed superb composure before squaring across the six-yard box for Ferran Torres, who calmly finished beneath the crossbar to spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
The goal capped a dominant attacking display from Luis de la Fuente’s side, who had spent much of the evening searching for a way past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina’s hopes of forcing penalties suffered a major setback in stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received his second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to play the remainder of the contest with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina continued to defend courageously before finally being undone by Torres’ extra-time strike.
Spain dictated possession from the opening whistle, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal causing constant problems down the right flank.
The Barcelona star nearly opened the scoring inside five minutes, only for Martinez to produce an excellent save.
Luis de la Fuente kept faith with the same starting eleven that defeated France in the semi-finals, with Fabian Ruiz partnering captain Rodri in midfield alongside Dani Olmo.
Spain continued to create opportunities throughout the match, but Martinez repeatedly denied efforts from Yamal, Pedri, Cubarsi and Torres to keep Argentina alive.
Argentina made three changes from their semi-final victory over England, restoring Rodrigo De Paul and introducing Gonzalo Montiel and Nico Gonzalez into the starting lineup.
However, Lionel Messi struggled to influence the contest as Spain’s midfield controlled possession for long periods.
Scaloni was also forced into an early defensive reshuffle after Lisandro Martinez suffered a muscular injury late in the first half, with veteran Nicolas Otamendi replacing him.
The Argentine coach attempted to change the game’s momentum with multiple substitutions after the break, but Spain maintained territorial dominance throughout.
The victory marks Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, adding to their famous triumph in 2010, and confirms another golden era under Luis de la Fuente following their recent European success.
For Argentina, the defeat ends their hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
The final also marked what is widely expected to be Lionel Messi’s final appearance in an Argentina shirt, bringing an extraordinary international career to a close after lifting the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.
Credit Photo : FIFA
