Spain claim second World Cup title in extra-time victory over Argentina
The Spanish side completes a continental and global double under manager Luis de la Fuente, while Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance ends in defeat for Argentina.
Spain have secured their second FIFA World Cup title, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The victory, confirmed on 19 July 2026, completes a continental and global double for the Spanish national team under manager Luis de la Fuente, who previously guided the side to Euro 2024 success earlier in the year.
The match, attended by more than 80,000 spectators, was characterised by a tense and tight contest that saw Argentina struggle to generate meaningful offensive pressure. The Spanish side imposed a disciplined passing structure and physical challenges that largely neutralised the influence of Lionel Messi, who was aged 39 at the time of the final. Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, was required to make several saves to keep the scoreline close, but the South American side failed to register a single attempt on goal during the regular 90 minutes.
The turning point in the contest arrived in the 93rd minute when Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card following a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi. With Argentina reduced to 10 men, Spain applied sustained pressure in extra time. The deadlock was broken in the 106th minute when substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal, assisted by Nico Williams, who provided a crucial knock-back to allow Torres to smash the ball into the net.
Argentina, led by Messi, had aimed to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cup titles. Despite being pushed to the limit in previous knockout stages against Egypt and England, the defending champions could not overcome Spain’s superior speed and tactical cohesion. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni conceded the quality of the opposition, stating that Spain were the better side, while expressing pride in his team’s achievement in reaching the final.
The trophy presentation ceremony was presided over by United States President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Reports from Al Jazeera indicate that Trump was loudly booed by the crowd as he walked onto the pitch to present the trophy to the Spanish squad. Following the match, Spanish supporters held overnight public celebrations in Madrid, while Messi received the runners-up medal in what is widely considered his final World Cup appearance.
