Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time on Sunday, July 19, to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and become world champions for the second time in their history.
Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero after scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time, handing La Roja their first World Cup title since 2010 and denying Argentina a successful defence of the crown.
The final had ended goalless after 90 minutes despite Spain dominating possession and creating the better chances throughout the contest.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a string of outstanding saves to keep his side in the match, but he was eventually beaten when Torres finished from close range after sustained Spanish pressure.
Argentina’s task became even more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off late in normal time, forcing the defending champions to play extra time with 10 men as they struggled to contain Spain’s relentless attacks.
The victory secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, 16 years after Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time winner against the Netherlands in the 2010 final in South Africa.
Under coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain also became the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles, following the Spanish women’s triumph in 2023.
The defeat marked a heartbreaking end to what is widely expected to be Lionel Messi’s final FIFA World Cup appearance, as the Argentina captain was unable to guide La Albiceleste to back-to-back world titles despite another impressive tournament.
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