Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic final decided in extra time.
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday.
The victory handed Spain their second World Cup title, 16 years after they lifted the trophy for the first time in South Africa in 2010.
Torres delivers extra-time winner
Both teams failed to score during regulation time despite Spain creating most of the chances and repeatedly testing Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Martínez produced several important saves to keep Argentina in the contest as Spain struggled to convert their dominance into a goal.
The match changed during stoppage time when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card following a challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí.
His dismissal left Argentina with 10 players as the final entered extra time.
Spain eventually made their numerical advantage count in the 106th minute when Torres finished a move involving Pedro Porro and Nico Williams to break the deadlock.
The goal sparked celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters, while Argentina searched unsuccessfully for an equaliser during the remaining minutes.
Spain end Argentina’s title defence
Argentina entered the final hoping to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni’s team had defeated England 2-1 in the semifinal after scoring two late goals to overturn Anthony Gordon’s opener.
However, Argentina struggled to create clear opportunities against Spain and finished the final without finding a way past goalkeeper Unai Simón.
The defeat also denied Lionel Messi the opportunity to win a second consecutive World Cup and a fourth title for Argentina.
Spain, meanwhile, completed a successful tournament that included knockout victories over Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France.
Luis de la Fuente’s side defeated France 2-0 in the semifinal before overcoming Argentina in the final.
Yamal adds World Cup to European title
The victory marked another major achievement for Spain’s young generation, led by Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí.
Yamal, who helped Spain win the European Championship, played a central role throughout the tournament as the country added the World Cup to its recent continental success.
Experienced players including Rodri, Dani Olmo, Aymeric Laporte and Unai Simón also provided stability during Spain’s run to the title.
Spain’s triumph brought the expanded 48-team World Cup to an end after six weeks of matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The victory confirmed Spain as world champions for the second time and ended Argentina’s four-year reign at the summit of international football.
