Spain claimed the 2026 FIFA World Cup title on Sunday after edging defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a final that was decided in extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute to hand Spain their second World Cup crown after a tense contest that ended goalless in regulation time.
Argentina were forced to play the closing stages with 10 men after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second bookable offence deep into stoppage time at the end of the second half.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Lionel Scaloni’s side held firm until Torres finally broke the deadlock in extra time.
Spain dominated large spells of the final and created the better scoring opportunities, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a string of impressive saves to keep his side in the contest.
The Spaniards also had an earlier effort ruled out before eventually finding the breakthrough.
The victory marks Spain’s first World Cup triumph since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010 and denies Argentina the chance to retain the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
The final also served as a symbolic passing of the torch, with 39-year-old Lionel Messi leading Argentina against a youthful Spanish side spearheaded by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
