New Jersey (July 20, 2026) – Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute of a tense final at New York New Jersey Stadium as Spain won their second FIFA World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in extra time. Luis de la Fuente’s team completed a perfect tournament with the win, finishing the competition unbeaten and playing a disciplined, possession-based style throughout.
The final was scoreless for more than 100 minutes, with Spain dominating possession and creating the bulk of the attacking chances. Argentina, who are looking to hold onto the crown they won in Qatar in 2022, struggled to create chances and spent much of the match on the back foot under sustained Spanish pressure.
Spain finally got through to the second half of extra-time when Ferran Torres scored from close range after a pass from Nico Williams to finally break down Argentina’s resistance. It was a decisive goal as Spain won the men’s World Cup for the second time, adding to the 2010 title they won in South Africa.
Argentina’s task became even more difficult when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off late in regulation time, leaving the defending champions to play with 10 men. Argentina, with Lionel Messi playing what is widely expected to be his last World Cup, struggled to create any meaningful attacking pressure for most of the contest.
The match ended on a sour note as players from both sides clashed after the final whistle. The incidents marred some of Spain’s celebrations after an otherwise disciplined display on the pitch.
Spain’s success was another milestone in a remarkable run of success for head coach Luis de la Fuente’s side in recent years. The World Cup win comes on the heels of Spain’s victory at the UEFA Euro 2024 and cements their position as one of the best teams in international football. Spain’s campaign was built on defensive solidity throughout the tournament, only conceding one goal and controlling games consistently with patient possession and tactical discipline.
The loss ended Argentina’s hopes of winning back-to-back World Cups and robbed Lionel Messi of a fairytale end to his World Cup career. The defending champions made it to another final but were unable to get past a Spain side that dictated the game from start to finish before finally finding the breakthrough when it mattered most.
For more Info
