Spain claim second World Cup title with extra-time victory over Argentina

Spain have been crowned World Cup champions for the second time in their history after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the 2026 final. The victory, secured at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marks the culmination of a tournament in which Spain, managed by Luis de la Fuente, established themselves as the most complete side in the competition.

The decisive moment arrived in the 105th minute when Ferran Torres scored the winning goal. The breakthrough was set up by an intelligent header from Nico Williams, allowing Torres to strike a clinical finish past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The goal broke a tightly contested deadlock that had seen both Unai Simon and Martinez produce crucial saves during the 0-0 regular time.

The win completes a historic Euro 2024–World Cup 2026 double for Spain, a feat not achieved since the nation’s 'golden generation' between 2008 and 2010. It is Spain’s first World Cup title since 2010, reinforcing their status as worthy successors to their illustrious predecessors under the current management structure.

For Argentina, the defeat ended their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. The loss also concluded Lionel Messi’s quest for a second World Cup trophy. Messi, aged 39, played what is widely considered his final World Cup match, occurring ten years after he retired from international football following a Copa America final defeat at the same venue.

Spain’s path to the final included a 2-0 semi-final victory over France at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. The 2026 World Cup final served as the 104th game of the tournament, following England’s 6-4 victory over France in the third-place match on Saturday, 18 July 2026.