World

Spain claim second World Cup title with 1-0 victory over Argentina

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium ends in a 1-0 win for Spain, securing their second global trophy and cementing Luis de la Fuente’s reign.

Author
Adrian Cole
Political Correspondent
Published
Draft
Source: Al Jazeera Global News · original
Fans in Madrid go wild as Spain beat Argentina to win second World Cup
Ferran Torres scores in extra time as La Roja complete historic double

Spain have secured their second FIFA World Cup title, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the 2026 final. The victory, decided by a single goal in the 105th minute, cements Spain’s status as the only nation to win both the European Championship and the World Cup in successive tournaments on two separate occasions. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, concluded a tournament in which Spain, managed by Luis de la Fuente, has been assessed as the most complete side.

The decisive moment arrived in the 105th minute of extra time, when Ferran Torres scored the winning goal, assisted by Nico Williams. This result ends a decade-long search for a second global title for the Spanish national team, following their previous triumph in 2010. The win completes a historic double for Spain, having also won the Euro 2024 tournament, thereby solidifying their status as the dominant force in international football.

The final took place on Sunday, 15 July, commencing at 3 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina entered the contest as the defending champions, while Spain was widely regarded as the most complete side in the tournament. The match was broadcast in English on Fox and other platforms, reaching a global audience as the two nations clashed for the ultimate prize in men's football.

Key entities involved in the match included players Ferran Torres, Nico Williams, and Emiliano Martinez, alongside manager Luis de la Fuente. The victory marks a significant milestone in de la Fuente’s tenure, which is now defined by this sustained success. The result confirms Spain’s position at the apex of the international game, having successfully navigated the challenges posed by the defending champions.

Celebrations erupted in Madrid following the final whistle, with fans gathering to mark the historic achievement. The win not only adds to Spain’s trophy cabinet but also establishes a new benchmark for international success. As the only nation to achieve this specific double on two separate occasions, Spain’s performance in the 2026 tournament represents a unique feat in the history of the World Cup.

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