Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Argentina 1-0 in Sunday’s final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time to hand La Roja their second World Cup title, having won their first in South Africa in 2010.
The final kicked off six minutes late following a pre-match entertainment show featuring singer Robbie Williams and actor Tom Cruise.
Spain dominated possession from the outset, forcing Argentina to spend long periods chasing the ball. The South American champions were largely pinned back in their own half and resorted to a physical approach to disrupt Spain’s rhythm.
Lamine Yamal tested goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as early as the fifth minute with a fierce effort from a tight angle after combining brilliantly with Dani Olmo.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between in the opening half. Spain managed the only three attempts on target before the break, while Argentina failed to register a single shot. The second half also ended goalless but was marked by the dismissal of Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez, who received a second yellow card and was sent off.
Spain thought they had snatched the winner in the 96th minute when Nico Williams bundled the ball into the net after Argentina failed to clear their lines. However, the goal was ruled out after the referee judged that Mikel Merino had fouled an Argentine defender in the build-up by stepping on his foot.
With the match heading towards a penalty shootout, Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute, firing home the winning goal to seal Spain’s historic triumph.
The defeat denied Lionel Messi and Argentina a second consecutive World Cup title after their victory over France in the 2022 final in Qatar.
