Substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time as Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Spain dominated proceedings in East Rutherford from the first whistle, controlling 64 percent possession and outshooting Argentina 15-0 in regulation. They finished with 20 efforts to Argentina’s two.
Argentina were reduced to 10 men in the third minute of stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off. He received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí.
Moments later Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a crucial diving save to keep the final goalless. He denied a curling free-kick from Lamine Yamal in the 90+8th minute to force extra time.
Spain thought they had found the breakthrough in the 96th minute when Nico Williams found the net. The goal was ruled out after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Mikel Merino on Nicolás Otamendi in the build-up.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 106th minute at the start of the second period of extra time. Pedro Porro delivered a cross to the back post, Williams headed it down and Torres finished past Martínez.
Torres thought he had added a second later in extra time to seal victory. His follow-up strike was ruled out for offside, keeping 10-man Argentina in the contest until the end.
Despite being a man down, Argentina pushed for a late equaliser but could not create a clear chance. Martínez finished with 10 saves in a valiant display that ultimately ended in defeat.
The result secured Spain’s second men’s World Cup title, their first since 2010. They also became the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s World Cups after the women’s triumph in 2023.
The defeat denied Lionel Messi, 39, a fairytale ending to his final World Cup appearance. It ended his hopes of back-to-back titles and a fourth overall crown for Argentina.
Before the final, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said: “We respect Spain enormously… I see no weakness in them, they’re a top team.
But regardless of the fact it’s a final, it’s another football match where we need to be at our best.”
