Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time as Spain defeated 10-man Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and claim the men’s title for the second time in their history.
The European champions finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute after dominating much of a tense and physical final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Torres latched onto a headed pass from substitute Nico Williams before firing past Emiliano Martinez from close range to settle a contest that had produced few clear-cut chances.
Spain finally make pressure count
Spain created the better opportunities throughout the match, with Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal both forcing first-half saves from Martinez.
However, Argentina frustrated Luis de la Fuente’s side for long periods with a disciplined defensive display, although the game was repeatedly interrupted by fouls and stoppages.
Referee Slavko Vincic came under pressure from Spain’s players, who questioned his reluctance to punish several robust challenges early in the contest.
The first booking did not arrive until the 40th minute when Lisandro Martinez was cautioned for bringing down Oyarzabal before later leaving the field through injury.
Fernandez sent off
The defending champions’ task became even more difficult in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi, leaving Argentina to play the entirety of extra time with 10 men.
Martinez continued to keep Argentina in the contest, producing a brilliant late save to deny Yamal’s free-kick before making another outstanding stop from Williams early in extra time.
Williams thought he had created the winner moments later, but his effort was ruled out after substitute Mikel Merino was penalised for a foul on Nicolas Otamendi.
Spain eventually found the breakthrough when Williams headed the ball into Torres’ path, allowing the substitute to finish emphatically beyond Martinez.
Argentina, who had produced dramatic comeback victories over Egypt and England in the knockout rounds, were unable to recover this time as Spain held firm to secure a deserved victory and lift the World Cup trophy for the second time after their triumph in 2010.
Off the pitch, the final also featured the tournament’s first-ever halftime show, with performances by Madonna and Justin Bieber, while United States President Donald Trump attended the match in person.
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