EAST RUTHERFORD (Realist English). Spain became world champions for the second time in their history, defeating defending champions Argentina 1‑0 in extra time in the 2026 World Cup final. The only goal was scored in the 106th minute by substitute Ferran Torres.
The match, played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, ended with a 1‑0 victory for La Roja. Spain’s first World Cup title came in 2010 in South Africa.
106 Minutes Without a Goal: Total Spanish Dominance
From the opening minutes, Spain seized control and completely dictated the tempo of the game. Argentina, opting for a defensive approach, failed to register a single shot on target for the first 115 minutes of play.
Regulation time ended 0‑0. Spain created numerous chances, but Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a series of brilliant saves to keep his side in the match.
In the 93rd minute, Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card for a harsh foul on Pau Cubarsí and was sent off, leaving Argentina a man down at the most critical moment.
Ferran Torres’ Decisive Goal
In the 106th minute, Pedro Porro delivered a cross from the right flank, Nico Williams headed the ball down into the centre of the penalty area, and Ferran Torres — who had come on as a substitute in the 62nd minute — fired it home from close range.
That goal proved to be the only one of the match, securing the world title for Spain. Argentina, down to ten men, tried to fight back, but Lionel Messi’s first and only shot, in the 117th minute, was blocked by the defence.
Historical Records and Achievements
Spain’s victory was marked by several significant milestones:
- Luis de la Fuente, at 65, became the oldest coach to win a World Cup.
- Spain completed the “golden double” — victory at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup. Previously, only the legendary generation of 2008–2010 had achieved this.
- Lionel Messi, at 39, became the second player in history to appear in three World Cup finals and the oldest outfield player to start a final. For the Argentine captain, this final was almost certainly his last in a World Cup.
The Show at MetLife Stadium
The 2026 World Cup final attracted a host of celebrities to the stands: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, as well as NBA stars Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and James Harden, tennis players Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, and NFL players Patrick Mahomes and Odell Beckham Jr.
For Spain, the title confirmed their return to the pinnacle of world football after a 16‑year hiatus. For Argentina, the defeat was a bitter blow — they failed to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a world title.
La Roja reaffirmed their status as the world’s best team, while Luis de la Fuente wrote his name into the history of global football.
