Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in World Cup final, claims second title

Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 19, defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, securing Spain's second World Cup title since 2010 and preventing Argentina from becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups.

Spain's dominance defined the match and the entire tournament. The team concluded the competition with a record seven shutouts across eight matches and allowed only one goal throughout the entire tournament—the fewest goals conceded by any World Cup champion. Spain extended its unbeaten run to 38 matches in regular time, setting a European record. Goalkeeper Unai Simon recorded 10 saves over eight games and won the Golden Glove award, crediting the entire squad for the historic defensive performance. Midfielder Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

Argentina, the defending champion, struggled offensively and failed to register a shot in the first 90 minutes—a first in World Cup final history. Lionel Messi, at 39 years old, became the oldest non-goalkeeper to play in a World Cup final and the first player to captain three World Cup finals, but could not prevent the loss. He scored eight goals in the tournament and finished with 21 career World Cup goals, second only to France's Kylian Mbappé, who surpassed him with 22 goals. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a record 11 saves in the final while playing with a broken finger. Enzo Fernández was sent off in extra time after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, leaving Argentina a man down in the critical period.

Spain's performance showcased a stark contrast in playing styles: their possession-based, controlled approach overwhelmed Argentina's more direct counter-attacking style. Spain outshot Argentina 20-2 and dominated possession with 845 passes to Argentina's 433. The victory marked the first World Cup final won by a team never trailing in regulation time. Head coach Luis de la Fuente, at 65, became the oldest coach to win a World Cup and the first European manager to remain unbeaten in his first 14 matches in both European Championship and World Cup competitions.

The 2026 World Cup, expanded to 48 teams for the first time, produced 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Spain's triumph came after a tournament marked by exceptionally high ticket prices, with final tickets reaching $32,000 on FIFA's resale platform, making it the most expensive sporting event in U.S. history. The tournament also generated controversy over VAR decisions and hydration breaks.