Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time in a tense final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
After 90 minutes of goalless football, substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title. The victory completed a remarkable tournament for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who combined defensive discipline with attacking flair throughout the competition.
Spain dominated large spells of the final, creating the better chances while limiting Lionel Messi and Argentina’s attack. The breakthrough finally came in extra time when Torres fired home with a powerful left-footed finish, sending Spanish fans into celebration.
Argentina’s hopes of forcing penalties were further dented after Enzo Fernández was sent off late in the contest, leaving the South Americans to finish the match with 10 men. Despite a spirited fightback, the defending champions were unable to find an equaliser as Spain held firm to secure the biggest prize in world football.
The triumph capped an outstanding campaign for Spain, who eliminated Portugal in the Round of 16, Belgium in the quarter-finals and France in the semi-finals before overcoming Argentina in the final. Spain had earlier beaten France 2-0 to book their place in the title decider.
Spain’s victory also marked a historic milestone, making them the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles. The final concluded the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, a competition that produced a record number of goals and attracted global attention.
