Spain claimed their second World Cup title on Sunday, July 20th, 2026, defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The winning goal came in the 106th minute when substitute Ferran Torres capitalized on a knock-back from Nico Williams to score.

More than 80,000 spectators witnessed the tense final, where Argentina, the defending champions led by Lionel Messi, struggled to match Spain’s dominance. The match shifted further in Spain’s favor after Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute for a second yellow card following a reckless challenge.

Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made several key saves, but the South Americans were unable to mount significant attacks throughout the match. Messi, 39, who may have played his last World Cup game, was visibly emotional as he received his runners-up medal.

Spain, the 2010 World Cup winners, maintained pressure on Argentina’s goal throughout the match and ultimately broke the deadlock early in the second half of extra time. The South Americans had aimed to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups, but Spain’s faster, younger, and slicker play proved decisive.

Argentina’s coach Scaloni acknowledged Spain’s superiority, stating, “They were the better side, that’s the truth, but I’ll cherish the memory of [this team], of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far.”

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