New Jersey: Spain reclaimed football’s biggest prize after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in a dramatic final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
The European champions produced a composed and dominant performance against Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina, who were reduced to 10 men late in regulation time after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off. Torres’ extra-time winner secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title and ended Argentina’s reign as world champions.
After more than 100 minutes of intense, tactical football, Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 106th minute.
Substitute Nico Williams rose highest to meet a cross before directing a clever header into the path of Ferran Torres, who reacted quickly to fire a powerful close-range finish past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among Spanish players and supporters, while Argentina struggled to mount a comeback with only 10 men on the pitch.
Spain Control the Final
From the opening whistle, Spain looked the more dangerous side, dominating possession and creating the majority of the scoring opportunities.
Young sensation Lamine Yamal constantly troubled Argentina’s defence with his pace and creativity, while Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo repeatedly tested the South American backline.
Despite Spain’s attacking dominance, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez delivered another outstanding display, producing several world-class saves that kept his side in contention throughout normal time.
Martinez denied Yamal from a dangerous free-kick in the closing moments of regulation and later produced another remarkable save from Nico Williams during extra time.
The World Cup final gradually turned into a physical battle, with repeated fouls disrupting the rhythm of the game.
Spain grew increasingly frustrated by what they believed was inconsistent refereeing from Slavko Vincic, as several heavy challenges went unpunished during the first half.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was shown one of the game’s first yellow cards before later leaving the field injured.
The turning point came in stoppage time when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, already on a booking, received a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on teenage defender Pau Cubarsi.
Reduced to 10 players before extra time, Argentina struggled to contain Spain’s relentless pressure.
Despite ending on the losing side, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was arguably Argentina’s standout performer.
The Aston Villa shot-stopper produced a string of spectacular saves to frustrate Spain for much of the evening and nearly forced the match into a penalty shootout.
Spain even thought they had doubled their lead during extra time, but Nico Williams’ finish was ruled out after substitute Mikel Merino was judged to have fouled Nicolas Otamendi in the build-up.
With the victory, Spain captured their second FIFA Men’s World Cup, adding to their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.
The achievement also places Spain in the history books as the first nation ever to simultaneously hold both the FIFA Men’s and FIFA Women’s World Cup titles, underlining the country’s remarkable dominance on the global football stage.
