Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 World Cup, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute. The victory marked Spain’s second World Cup title, following their 2010 triumph.
Torres’ late winner seals Spain’s historic victory
Torres’ goal came 16 years and eight days after Andres Iniesta’s extra-time winner in the 2010 final against the Netherlands. Spain dominated possession, firing 20 shots while Argentina failed to register any until Torres’ strike. Argentina’s task grew harder when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card late in regulation, reducing them to 10 men.
Spain’s defensive mastery and Argentina’s missed chances
Spain became the first World Cup champion to concede only one goal throughout the tournament. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, had won the 2021 and 2024 Copa Americas alongside their 2022 World Cup title but fell short this time. Messi, with eight goals and four assists, had little influence as Spain controlled the game.
Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez made 11 saves, but Torres’ half-volley from a Pedro Porro cross finally beat him. Torres, who scored his only goal of the tournament, said afterward: “Honestly, I didn’t think too much. I just saw the ball coming to me, and I just shot with the power of all the Spanish people.”
Historic win for Spain’s coach and team
Spain’s 65-year-old coach, Luis de la Fuente, became the oldest manager to win a World Cup. “We are world champions,” he said. “It was together we reached this stage.”
After the final whistle, brief scuffles broke out but were quickly resolved. Spain’s players later formed an honor guard for Argentina as they received their runner-up medals.
