Spain overcame Argentina’s stubborn resistance to secure a 1-0 extra-time victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, claiming their second title after a dramatic battle in New York.
The highly anticipated showdown, which marked Lionel Messi’s final appearance at football’s biggest tournament, remained goalless after 90 minutes before Barcelona winger Ferran Torres delivered the decisive moment in extra time.
Torres struck in the 106th minute to finally break Argentina’s stubborn resistance and secure Spain their first World Cup title since 2010.
The victory completed a remarkable double for Spain, who added the global crown to the European Championship title they won two years earlier. It was the second time in their history they have held both honours simultaneously, matching their golden era achievement after their 2010 World Cup triumph.
Spain dominated much of the contest, controlling possession and creating the clearer opportunities, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez kept his team alive with several crucial saves.
Argentina, who entered the final hoping to defend the title they won in 2022, struggled to create attacking opportunities throughout the match. They managed just one shot attempt late in the game when Messi struck a loose effort that hit Mikel Merino in the 115th minute.
Their hopes were further damaged after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card shortly before the end of normal time, leaving Argentina with 10 players for extra time.
Spain eventually found the breakthrough when Torres finished off their sustained pressure, sparking celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters inside the stadium.
The final also represented a symbolic changing of the guard in world football, with Spain’s emerging generation overcoming Messi’s Argentina to claim the sport’s biggest prize.
Messi, playing in his final World Cup match, was left emotional after collecting his runners-up medal, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd as he walked onto the podium.
The defeat ended Argentina’s reign as world champions, while Spain’s victory capped a brilliant tournament run that saw them defeat France in the semi-finals before overcoming the South American giants in the final.
The trophy was presented to Spain captain Rodri, who also received the Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player, as La Roja celebrated another historic chapter in their footballing journey.
Spain’s triumph means they now join the elite group of nations to have won the FIFA World Cup more than once, confirming their return to the summit of international football.
