Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after Ferran Torres struck a dramatic extra time winner to secure a hard fought 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Torres fired home in the 106th minute after connecting with a headed pass from Nico Williams, ending Argentina’s resistance and handing Spain their second World Cup title, 16 years after lifting their first trophy in South Africa in 2010.
The triumph also ended Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Alleged Rift With Kwankwaso
FULL LIST: Winners of 2026 NBA National Elections as Badejo-Okusanya Makes History
Spain dominated proceedings from start to finish, controlling possession and launching wave after wave of attacks. Luis de la Fuente’s side registered 12 shots on target, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a remarkable display, making a World Cup final record 11 saves to keep his team in contention for over 100 minutes.
However, even Martínez could do nothing to stop Torres’ thunderous finish in extra time.
“Honestly, I did not think too much,” Torres said after the match.
“I just saw the ball coming to me and I shot with the power of all the Spanish people.”
Torres thought he had doubled Spain’s lead moments later after racing clear on a counterattack and beating Martínez again. The celebrations were cut short when VAR ruled him narrowly offside.
Argentina mounted a late push in the closing minutes after falling behind, producing their first meaningful attempts of the match, but Spain held firm to seal victory.
Lionel Scaloni’s side were reduced to 10 men midway through extra time after midfielder Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
The dismissal compounded an already frustrating evening for Argentina, who failed to register a single shot throughout the entire 90 minutes of regulation despite having captain Lionel Messi on the pitch.
Messi, playing in what many expect to be his final World Cup appearance, managed just one shot during the match despite recording 54 touches as Spain’s disciplined defence kept him largely quiet.
Nigeria Wastes N862bn as Over 900 MDAs Fuel Cost of Governance — Oye
Full List: US Tells Citizens ‘Do Not Travel’ to 23 Countries, Names 11 African Nations
The victory marks another milestone for Spain’s golden generation under De la Fuente, with the European champions adding the World Cup to their recent continental success.
Among those celebrating in the stands were members of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad, who witnessed their successors restore the country to the summit of world football.
For Argentina, it was a painful end to a title defence that had promised so much, while Spain’s relentless display confirmed them as deserved champions after outplaying the holders for virtually the entire contest.
