Spain have won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating defending champions Argentina 1-0 following extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. Ferran Torres scored the only goal deep into the additional period to secure Spain’s first global title since 2010 and crown a remarkable cycle that has brought both continental and world honours within twenty-four months.
The triumph marks the first time a European nation has lifted the trophy on American soil since 1994. For Argentina, the loss ended their reign as world champions and denied Lionel Messi a successive winner’s medal in what was his third final, equalling the record set by Brazilian legend Marcos Cafu.
How the final was won
The contest remained goalless through ninety minutes despite Spain’s control, with Argentina failing to register a single shot on target during regulation time. De la Fuente’s choice not to assign a dedicated man-marker to Messi proved effective, as the Argentine captain found no space against a well-organised defensive block.
Argentina’s resistance crumbled through injuries and indiscipline. Centre-back Lisandro Martínez departed before half-time with a thigh problem, while defensive partner Cristian Romero also succumbed to an injury early in the second period. Matters worsened deep into stoppage time when Enzo Fernández, already booked for dissent, received a second yellow card for a challenge on Pau Cubarsí, reducing the South Americans to ten men.
Spain broke the deadlock shortly after the extra-time restart. Nico Williams headed down a cross at the far post, allowing substitute Torres to volley home from close range. The Barcelona forward had entered the match in the 62nd minute and thought he had scored again shortly afterwards, only for the assistant’s flag to rule him offside.
Discipline and disappointment
Argentina’s frustration spilled over after the final whistle, with midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving a red card following a confrontation involving players from both sides. The incident capped a difficult evening for the reigning champions, who were forced into defensive reshuffles after the first-half injuries to their starting centre-backs.
Lautaro Martínez, Argentina’s second-top scorer at the tournament with three goals, remained on the bench for the entire match as coach Lionel Scaloni opted to start Juventus winger Nico González instead. The Inter captain watched on as his side struggled to create chances against a Spanish midfield anchored by Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, and marshalled by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Before kick-off, De la Fuente had referenced a 2004 youth encounter where a teenage Messi scored four times in fifteen minutes after a man-marker was withdrawn, insisting: “Does that mean we are going to man mark him? No.” The approach paid dividends as La Roja kept their opponents silent until Torres’s breakthrough.
The match, officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, kicked off at 21:00 CET (15:00 local time). Spain’s victory adds a second star to their crest, cementing the status of a generation that has now conquered both continental and global tournaments.