Spain claim second World Cup title with historic defensive record
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal at MetLife Stadium as Spain completed a continental and global double under manager Luis de la Fuente.
Spain have secured their second FIFA World Cup title after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the 2026 final. The victory, confirmed by a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, 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, the longest in history for a men’s national team. It also marks the first time a World Cup winner has conceded only one goal throughout the entire tournament, surpassing the defensive records previously held by France, Italy, and Spain’s own 2010 squad.
Rodri was instrumental in controlling the midfield, completing 95 per cent of his 116 passes and winning 80 per cent of his ground duels. His performance helped Spain maintain 65 per cent possession and lock down the centre of the pitch. With this achievement, Rodri becomes the 11th player to win the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League, and the World Cup, joining an elite group that includes Franz Beckenbauer and Zinedine Zidane.
A 19-year-old Barcelona centre-back also delivered a dominant defensive display, recording six clearances, five recoveries, and winning seven of 10 duels with zero fouls committed. His disciplined approach contributed to a second yellow card for Argentina’s Enzo Fernández in extra time, leaving the South American side with ten men for the final 30 minutes of the match.
Despite the defeat, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez set a World Cup final record with 11 saves and prevented 1.76 goals. Lionel Messi became the second player, after Brazil’s Cafu, to appear in three World Cup finals, while substitute Ferran Torres provided the decisive moment after entering the match for Mikel Oyarzabal.
