Spain are once again kings of world football. La Roja defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 final at New Jersey Stadium, New York, ending a 16-year wait for football's biggest prize.
The decisive moment came in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres calmly converted Nico Williams' headed pass to score the only goal of the match. The victory handed Spain their second FIFA World Cup title after their historic triumph in 2010 against the Netherlands.
Emiliano Martinez Keeps Argentina Alive for More Than 100 Minutes
Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez delivered one of the finest performances of the tournament despite finishing on the losing side.
Spain dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, with Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Mikel Oyarzabal and Nico Williams creating repeated scoring opportunities. Martinez produced a series of spectacular saves that frustrated the Spanish attack and kept Argentina level throughout normal time.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper denied long-range efforts, one-on-one chances and dangerous headers, ensuring the match remained scoreless for 90 minutes before Spain finally broke through in extra time.
Enzo Fernandez's Red Card Changed the Final
Argentina's hopes of dragging the match into a penalty shootout suffered a major setback in stoppage time.
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez received his second yellow card after a challenge on Pau Cubarsí, reducing Argentina to 10 men. Spain immediately increased the pressure and dominated possession during extra time.
Only minutes later, Ferran Torres capitalized on Spain's numerical advantage to score the championship-winning goal.
Ferran Torres Becomes Spain's Hero
Spain came close to scoring in the 103rd minute when Mikel Merino missed a golden opportunity from Nico Williams' cross.
Three minutes later, Williams once again attacked from the left wing and headed the ball toward the back post. Ferran Torres reacted instantly, firing a right-footed shot into the net to spark wild celebrations among Spanish supporters.
The goal secured Spain's first World Cup title since 2010.
Lamine Yamal Outshines Lionel Messi
The final showcased two generations of football greatness.
While 39-year-old Lionel Messi searched for one final World Cup triumph, 20-year-old Lamine Yamal produced another outstanding performance on the biggest stage.
Spain's disciplined midfield restricted Messi's influence throughout the contest, while Yamal consistently troubled Argentina's defence with his pace, creativity and attacking movement.
Spain's Possession-Based Football Proves Decisive
Spain once again demonstrated why they are regarded as one of football's finest possession-based teams.
Led by captain Rodri in midfield, Spain controlled approximately 65 percent of possession, limiting Argentina's counter-attacking opportunities and dictating the tempo from start to finish.
Their patient build-up eventually paid dividends as Argentina's resistance finally collapsed in extra time.
Emotional Celebrations After the Final Whistle
The moment the referee blew the final whistle, Spanish players rushed onto the pitch in celebration.
Several players fell to their knees, others embraced teammates, while thousands of supporters celebrated inside the stadium after Spain reclaimed football's biggest prize following a 16-year wait.
Argentina's players were visibly heartbroken, and a brief confrontation between members of both squads was quickly brought under control before Spain lifted the famous World Cup trophy.
Kylian Mbappé Wins Golden Boot
Although France did not reach the final, Kylian Mbappé finished as the tournament's leading scorer.
Kylian Mbappé (France): 10 Goals, 4 Assists
Lionel Messi (Argentina): 8 Goals, 4 Assists
Mbappé's outstanding campaign earned him the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot.
Spain's Road to FIFA World Cup Glory
Spain's tournament journey included:
Drew with Cape Verde
Beat Saudi Arabia 4-0
Beat Uruguay 1-0
Defeated Austria (Round of 32)
Defeated Portugal (Round of 16)
Defeated Belgium (Quarter-final)
Defeated France (Semi-final)
Beat Argentina 1-0 in the Final
Spain vs Argentina Final Highlights
Champions: Spain
Final Score: Spain 1-0 Argentina (After Extra Time)
Winning Goal: Ferran Torres (106')
Venue: New Jersey Stadium, New York
Possession: Spain 65% | Argentina 35%
Red Card: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappé (10 Goals)
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