Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after edging Argentina 1-0 following extra time in a tense and tactical final played on 19 July 2026.
Ferran Torres emerged as the match winner, scoring in the 106th minute to secure La Roja’s second World Cup title and end Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation in 64 years to successfully defend the trophy.
Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled large spells of the contest from the opening whistle, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was a constant threat down the right flank, while Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal regularly tested Argentina’s defensive organisation.
However, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a series of excellent saves to keep the South Americans in the contest throughout normal time.
The opening 45 minutes produced very few clear-cut chances, reflecting the cautious nature of two evenly matched sides.
Spain enjoyed the majority of possession, but Argentina remained disciplined defensively, ensuring the score remained goalless at half-time in one of the tightest World Cup finals in recent memory.
Spain increased the pressure after the interval, forcing Martínez into several more important interventions.
Ferran Torres, Pau Cubarsí and Dani Olmo all came close, yet Argentina’s goalkeeper continued to frustrate the European champions with a string of outstanding stops.
The turning point arrived deep into stoppage time when Argentina captain Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
The dismissal left Lionel Scaloni’s side with ten men for extra time and significantly shifted the momentum in Spain’s favour.
Although Nico Williams believed he had given Spain the lead early in extra time, his goal was ruled out following a foul in the build-up.
Spain refused to be discouraged and finally found the breakthrough in the 106th minute.
Williams headed the ball into Torres’ path inside the penalty area, and the striker reacted brilliantly, smashing his effort into the roof of the net beyond Martínez.
Argentina were unable to mount a response despite their determined defending throughout the match.
Remarkably, the reigning champions failed to register a single shot during the entire 90 minutes before eventually succumbing in extra time.
The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten international run to 38 matches, setting a new all-time European record while also giving La Roja a sixth victory from their last seven major tournament finals.
It marked another historic achievement for Luis de la Fuente’s impressive generation.
For Argentina, the defeat brought an emotional end to their title defence and may also have marked the final international appearance of Lionel Messi.
The legendary forward was unable to inspire his side to back-to-back World Cup triumphs, as Spain deservedly celebrated becoming world champions once again.
Despite finishing on the losing side, Emiliano Martínez was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match after producing a series of exceptional saves that kept Argentina alive until Ferran Torres finally found the decisive goal in extra time.
