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, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The victory, secured on Sunday evening, marks the first World Cup triumph for the Spanish national team since 2010 and completes a historic Euro 2024-World Cup 2026 double under manager Luis de la Fuente.

The decisive moment arrived in the 105th minute of the tightly contested final. Nico Williams provided the assist with an intelligent header, finding Ferran Torres in a clinical position to strike past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The goal broke a deadlock that had been maintained throughout regular time by the resolute performances of both Martinez and Spain’s Unai Simon, who made crucial saves to keep the score level.

The result ends Argentina’s bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup titles. The match also served as a poignant conclusion to Lionel Messi’s international career, widely regarded as his final World Cup appearance. The 39-year-old captain had previously retired from international football ten years prior 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 the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on 14 July 2026, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. This latest success mirrors the achievements of Spain’s golden generation between 2008 and 2010, a period that saw the nation dominate both European and global football.

The 2026 World Cup concluded with England defeating France 6-4 in the third-place match on Saturday, 18 July. The final, the 104th game of the tournament, solidified Spain’s status as the current pinnacle of international football, with de la Fuente’s side now holding both the European and World titles.