EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time in their history with a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over defending champions Argentina in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Ferran Torres emerged the hero for La Roja, firing home the decisive goal in the 106th minute from a perfectly weighted cutback by Nico Williams to secure Spain’s historic triumph and deny Lionel Messi and Argentina a successful defence of the title.
Spain controlled the contest for long periods and appeared the more likely side to break the deadlock, but were repeatedly denied by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Emi” Martinez, whose remarkable performance saw him make a World Cup final record 11 saves to keep the defending champions in the game.
Argentina’s hopes suffered a major setback in the third minute of stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received his second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to play the entirety of extra time with 10 men.
Despite the numerical advantage, Spain had to remain patient before Torres finally found the breakthrough, converting from close range in the second period of extra time to settle one of the finest World Cup finals in recent memory.
Argentina, who were bidding to become only the third nation to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup and the first since Brazil in 1962, failed to register a single shot on target throughout the encounter. The match is also widely expected to mark the final World Cup appearance of the 39-year-old Messi, regarded by many as one of the greatest footballers in history.
Spain’s superiority was evident in the statistics, enjoying 68 per cent possession, completing 803 passes with 90 per cent accuracy, registering 23 shots, including 11 on target, and forcing Martinez into a record-breaking performance. Argentina managed just three shots and none on target.
The victory completes a remarkable era under head coach Luis de la Fuente, who has now guided Spain to successive UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup triumphs since taking charge in 2022.
Speaking after the final whistle, an emotional De la Fuente paid tribute to his players.
“So much pride. Pride for this generation of footballers that have been growing with this idea, staying loyal to the idea, and doing their best.
“They are an example of a team, a group, a family, and a collective of great players that have been exceptional. I’m just so proud to have accompanied them on this journey, to have been there with them on this trajectory is an honour.
“I can’t really tell you how I feel. All I can say was it was worth it. Of course at the moment I am very emotional, particularly having watched from behind the scenes.
“I have spoken so much to the players, who said to me, ‘Boss, we’ve won it all’, and it’s marvellous. This generation of players is an example for Spanish sport, for the Spanish youth. Together we are much stronger, and that is why we don’t forget anyone,” he said.
The Spain coach admitted his side had hoped to decide the contest much earlier but credited Martinez for keeping Argentina in the game.
“Of course we would have liked to win the game much sooner. The Martinez save prevented us from doing so.
“We tried and tried to get on the scoresheet but weren’t able to, but this is a World Cup final, even against ten men at the end we had to suffer. But, we like to suffer, and I’ll say it again, we were prepared for everything,” he said.
Spain also dominated the individual awards. Goalkeeper Unai Simon claimed the Golden Glove after recording seven clean sheets in eight matches, while 19-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi won the Best Young Player award for his outstanding defensive displays. Midfield general Rodri was named the tournament’s Golden Ball winner as the best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Spain’s triumph not only ended Argentina’s reign as world champions but also cemented La Roja’s place among football’s greatest nations. Attention now turns to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each staging an opening match to commemorate the tournament’s 100th anniversary.
