Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions. They edged 10-man Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a gripping final. The game was at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19 July.
Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the winner in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second World Cup title. The victory came 16 years after Spain lifted their maiden crown in South Africa in 2010.
SPAIN DOMINATE POSSESSION
Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Every RESULT from all 104 matches
Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the match from the opening whistle with their trademark possession-based football. Spain enjoyed 68% of the ball and registered 20 shots but found Emiliano MartÃnez in inspired form.
The Argentina goalkeeper produced a World Cup final record of 10 saves to frustrate the Spanish attack throughout normal time. Lionel Scaloni’s men defended deep and looked to release Lionel Messi on the counter-attack whenever opportunities arose.
Argentina’s task became even more difficult in the 90th minute when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card and was sent off, forcing the defending champions to play extra time with 10 men.
ARGENTINA FALL SHORT IN DEFENDING FIFA WORLD CUP TITLE
Spain finally found the breakthrough one minute into the second half of extra time. Pedro Porro delivered a deep cross towards the far post, where Nico Williams headed the ball back into the danger area.
Ferran Torres reacted first and fired a powerful first-time finish into the roof of the net to break the deadlock.
Argentina pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but Spain’s defence stood firm to secure their seventh clean sheet of the tournament.
The victory sealed Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title and completed an outstanding tournament for La Roja, who lifted football’s biggest prize with another composed and dominant display.
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