Spain are the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, securing Spain’s second World Cup title, 16 years after lifting their first trophy in South Africa.
Spain have reclaimed football’s biggest prize after edging Argentina 1-0 in a fiercely contested FIFA World Cup final.
The European champions finally broke Argentina’s resistance in extra time through Ferran Torres, ending the holders’ hopes of retaining the trophy and sealing Spain’s second World Cup triumph.
The final remained goalless throughout normal time despite Spain dominating possession and creating the better opportunities.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced several crucial saves to keep his side in the contest, while Spain also saw an earlier effort ruled out before finally finding the breakthrough in extra time.
With the match heading towards penalties, substitute Ferran Torres became Spain’s hero.
The forward struck in the 106th minute to hand Luis de la Fuente’s side the decisive advantage, sending Spanish supporters into celebration. Argentina, reduced to ten men late in the contest, pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way back.
The victory marks Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, adding to the historic triumph they achieved in South Africa in 2010.
It also caps a remarkable tournament in which Spain eliminated Portugal, Belgium, France, and finally Argentina to lift the trophy.
Lionel Messi and Argentina entered the final hoping to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022 and claim a fourth World Cup crown.
Despite a resilient performance, La Albiceleste were unable to respond after Torres’ goal, bringing their title defence to an end.
Spain’s triumph confirms them as world champions once again after an outstanding campaign, while Argentina leave the tournament as runners-up following another memorable World Cup run. The victory further cements Spain’s place among international football’s elite.