Spain claim second World Cup title with extra-time victory over Argentina
The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time to secure their second global title.
Spain have secured their second FIFA World Cup title, defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time during the 2026 final. The victory, confirmed by a decisive goal from Ferran Torres, takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and completes a historic double for the national team following their Euro 2024 triumph.
The win extends Spain’s unbeaten streak to 38 matches, solidifying their status as the current pinnacle of international football. Manager Luis de la Fuente’s side now holds both the European and World titles, a feat that underscores the structural consistency of the squad over the past two years.
Sources regarding the timing of the decisive moment vary slightly, with the goal attributed to either the 105th or 106th minute of play. Regardless of the exact minute, the single strike proved sufficient to dismantle the defending champions, marking the end of a tournament that featured 104 games across venues including AT&T Stadium and MetLife Stadium.
The final is widely regarded as Lionel Messi’s last World Cup appearance. The Argentine captain’s participation in this match serves as a notable bookend to his international career, particularly given his previous retirement from national duty in 2016 following a Copa America final defeat at the same New Jersey venue.
The tournament concluded with England defeating France 6-4 in the third-place match on 18 July 2026. Spain’s path to the final included a 2-0 semi-final victory over France on 14 July at AT&T Stadium in Texas, where goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed their place in the championship decider.
