Spain won its second FIFA World Cup title on Sunday, defeating Argentina 1-0 in a tightly contested final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match, which remained scoreless through regular time, was decided in the 106th minute when Valencia forward Ferran Torres found the back of the net to give La Roja its first world crown since 2010.
The final was the 104th and last match of the 2026 tournament, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It pitted a young Spanish side led by 19-year-old winger Lamine Yamal against an experienced Argentine team captained by Lionel Messi, who was seeking to repeat Argentina's 2022 triumph in Qatar.
Both teams created few clear chances during the first 90 minutes, as defensive discipline and tactical caution dominated the play. Argentina, which had not lost a World Cup final since 1990, struggled to break through Spain's organized back line. Messi, playing in what many observers expected to be his final World Cup appearance, was kept largely quiet by Spanish defenders.
The breakthrough came in the first period of extra time. Torres, who had entered the match as a substitute in the 75th minute, collected a pass inside the Argentine penalty area and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The goal sparked wild celebrations among Spanish players and fans, while Argentine players collapsed in disappointment.
Spain's victory was the culmination of a remarkable tournament run. Under coach Luis de la Fuente, the team displayed a blend of youthful energy and tactical maturity. De la Fuente, who took over after the 2022 World Cup, praised his players after the match, saying it was an honor to accompany them on their journey to the title.
The Spanish royal family also congratulated the team. In a statement released after the final, the royal household said the players had carried the name of Spain to the highest level of world football. The victory was celebrated across Spain, with fans gathering in major cities to mark the country's second world championship.
For Argentina, the defeat was a bitter end to a tournament that had begun with high hopes. Messi, who had led Argentina to the 2022 title, was visibly emotional after the final whistle. He was consoled by teammates and opponents alike. The 39-year-old forward has not confirmed whether he will continue playing international football.
The 2026 World Cup was the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from the previous 32-team format. The tournament spanned 16 host cities across three countries and set attendance records for several matches. Spain's victory added a second star to its jersey, joining the one earned in South Africa in 2010.
Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal, was named man of the match. The 26-year-old forward, who plays for Barcelona, had a strong tournament overall, scoring three goals in seven appearances. His decisive strike in the final will be remembered as one of the most important goals in Spanish football history.
The final also marked the end of an era for several veteran players on both sides. In addition to Messi, Argentine defenders Nicolás Otamendi and Gonzalo Montiel may have played their last World Cup matches. Spain, by contrast, boasts a young core that could keep the team competitive for years to come.