Spain claim second World Cup title in extra-time victory over Argentina
The 2026 final at MetLife Stadium concluded with a 1-0 win for Spain, marking Luis de la Fuente’s historic triumph and extending the nation’s record unbeaten run in international football.
Spain secured their second men’s World Cup title by defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the 2026 final, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The victory, confirmed by a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, extended the European side’s unbeaten streak to 38 games across all competitions, a record for a men’s national team.
Torres, a substitute for Mikel Oyarzabal, struck from close range after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro’s cross into his path. The goal capped a dominant performance by Spain, who created numerous opportunities while restricting Argentina to a single shot on target, taken by Lionel Messi in the 117th minute. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made 11 saves, the highest total recorded in a World Cup final.
The match was marred by disciplinary issues, including a red card for Argentina’s Enzo Fernández in the 90th minute for a reckless foul on Pau Cubarsí. Post-match clashes on the pitch resulted in a second red card for Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. The violence overshadowed a contest where Spain’s defensive rigidity allowed them to concede only one goal throughout the entire tournament.
Spain’s campaign was characterised by midfield control and defensive solidity, ending the 48-team event with the fewest goals allowed by any World Cup winner. Manager Luis de la Fuente, at 65, became the oldest coach to lead a team to the World Cup title. The win also marked Spain as only the third nation to win back-to-back World Cup titles, following Italy and Brazil.
Lionel Messi, who finished the tournament with eight goals, became the first man to start three World Cup finals. The 39-year-old ended his World Cup career with 21 goals, one short of Kylian Mbappé for the all-time leading scorer. The final was part of a 104-match tournament that featured a record 307 goals and significant celebrity attendance, including President Donald Trump, who was scheduled to participate in the trophy presentation.
