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

Spain have been crowned World Champions for the second time in their history, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The victory, secured at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July 2026, 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 fired a shot past Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The goal, assisted by Nico Williams, proved to be the only score of the match against an Argentina side that had been reduced to 10 men earlier in extra time. Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving the defending champions unable to mount a sustained response in the final stages of the game.

Spain’s triumph completes a continental and global double, following their victory at Euro 2024. The win also serves as a significant moment in the history of both nations, occurring exactly ten years after Lionel Messi retired from international football following a Copa America final defeat at the same New Jersey venue in 2016.

The 2026 tournament featured a record 104 matches, with Spain progressing through the knockout stages by defeating France 2-0 in the semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Texas on 14 July. The final was broadcast in English on Fox and iHeartRadio, reaching a global audience as the event concluded with England defeating France 6-4 in the third-place match on 18 July.

This victory confirms Spain’s status as the dominant force in international football, having previously won the World Cup in 2010. The win in New Jersey solidifies Luis de la Fuente’s tenure as a period of sustained success for La Roja, ending a decade-long search for a second global title.