Spain outclass Argentina to emerge as new World Champions

Spain are the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, finishing off a Nico Williams cross to seal Spain’s second World Cup title.

Referee Slavko Vincic took charge of a tense, physical final that saw four Argentina players booked, including Fernandez, against none for Spain.

Argentina played much of the second half and extra time down to 10 men. Enzo Fernández picked up two yellow cards, the second for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi in stoppage time, and was sent off before extra time began.

Emiliano Martinez had AA remarkable night as he produced a heroic display in goal for Argentina, making 10 saves, a record for a men’s World Cup final. It still was not enough to deny Spain their moment.

Spain dominated for long stretches, finishing with 19 shots to Argentina’s none through the first 90-plus minutes. The Spanish defence capped a remarkable tournament, conceding just one goal across all eight matches.

Lionel Messi and Argentina pushed hard for an equaliser once Torres broke the deadlock, but could not find a way past Spain’s disciplined back line in the closing minutes.

The win completes Spain’s second World Cup triumph, echoing their 2010 victory, which also came via a 1-0 extra-time result. Argentina’s bid for back-to-back titles ended in heartbreak.

Spain becomes the first team to hold the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup trophies at the same time.