Spain End Argentina's Title Defence to Lift Second FIFA World Cup Trophy
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner to secure the nation's second FIFA World Cup title.
Spain are world champions once again. Luis de la Fuente's side defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium, securing their second World Cup title with a dominant display.
The decisive moment came in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres fired home after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro's cross back into the danger area. It was Torres' first goal of the tournament, but it proved to be the most important one, ending Argentina's hopes of retaining the title.
Spain controlled the match from start to finish, dominating possession and preventing Lionel Messi from influencing the game. Argentina failed to register a single shot for the opening 70 minutes, while Messi managed only 22 touches during that period as Spain's midfield successfully cut off his supply.
Despite Spain's superiority, Argentina stayed in the contest thanks to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa shot-stopper produced a string of outstanding saves to deny Dani Olmo, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, while Spain also had two goals ruled out and missed several chances.
Argentina's situation worsened late in normal time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off, forcing the defending champions to play extra time with ten men. Spain eventually broke through when Torres finished clinically to reward their relentless attacking pressure.
Messi and Argentina pushed forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but Spain's disciplined defence stood firm to preserve the lead and seal a historic victory.
The triumph marks Spain's second FIFA World Cup title and completes a remarkable resurgence under Luis de la Fuente. Their blend of possession-based football, tactical discipline and youthful brilliance from players like Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Pedri proved too much for Argentina on football's biggest stage.
For Lionel Messi, the defeat ends his dream of defending the World Cup crown he won in 2022. Although the Argentine legend came into the final hoping to script another memorable chapter in his illustrious international career, Spain ensured that the night belonged entirely to them as they reclaimed football's biggest prize.
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