Spain has captured the FIFA World Cup title for the second time, defeating Argentina in a thrilling final. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, securing a 1-0 victory at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
This marks Spain’s second appearance in the World Cup finals, and as they did in 2010, they emerged victorious. Ferran Torres, who entered the match in the second half, found the net past Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, sealing the win on July 19, 2026.
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For Lionel Messi, this match, potentially his last with the national team, ended in disappointment. Throughout the game, both teams competed fiercely for control, resulting in limited opportunities to score.
Spain consistently maintained its tournament strategy of controlling the pace and making swift decisions near the opponent’s goal during the first half. Lamine Yamal and teammates created numerous chances but were unable to bypass Martínez.
Meanwhile, Unai Simón faced less pressure from Argentina’s attack, with Spain’s defense effectively restricting Messi and others. By halftime, the score remained 0-0.
During the game’s intermission, performances on the field included Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and other artists.
As the second half commenced, Spain ramped up their efforts and constructed promising opportunities. Yet Martínez continued his steadfast defense. In the 55th minute, a pass to Dani Olmo then toward Marc Cucurella was intercepted by Gonzalo Montiel, thwarting a significant scoring chance.
Spain kept pressuring, with Ferran Torres coming close with a header in the 66th minute, but again Martínez denied the goal.
By the 82nd minute, Spain had launched ten shots, seven on target, while Argentina struggled to achieve a shot attempt. Despite fierce Spanish attacks, Martínez consistently defended, particularly against Nico Williams’ shot during stoppage time.
With under a minute left in regular time, Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card, reducing Argentina’s team strength by one player.
A foul on Torres and Yamal’s subsequent free kick nearly put Spain ahead, but Martínez intervened with another stunning save.
Extra time required Argentina to play with reduced numbers. Although Spain appeared to have scored with a Williams attempt, a foul call cancelled the goal.
Spain persevered, and in the second half of extra time, Torres delivered a powerful strike under the crossbar, sealing a goal in the 106th minute. Despite Argentina’s efforts, they failed to produce a shot on goal, while Spain managed twenty.
Spain’s defense was dominant throughout the tournament, conceding only one goal. Their campaign concluded triumphantly with the trophy in hand.
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