Spain are the champions of the world for the second time in their history after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final. Substitute Ferran Torres proved to be the hero at the New York New Jersey Stadium, smashing home a 106th-minute winner to wrest the trophy from the defending champions.

Luis de la Fuente’s men dominated the clash from start to finish, capping off an unbeaten tournament run by dethroning the South American giants.

Match Snapshot

• Result: Spain 1-0 Argentina (After Extra Time)
• Goal: Ferran Torres (106′)
• Red Card: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina, 90+3′)
• Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (East Rutherford)
• Date: Sunday 19 July 2026

How the Final Was Won

Spanish Control vs. Argentinian Resilience

The highly anticipated battle between the champions of Europe and South America began with Spain asserting immediate control. Five minutes in, Dani Olmo teed up 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, whose low drive was blocked at the near post by Emiliano Martinez. Argentina sat deep, defending resolutely despite losing starting center-back Lisandro Martinez to an injury just before the interval.

The Martinez Wall

Spain continued to ask all the questions in the second half. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni suffered another defensive blow when Cristian Romero went off injured in the 70th minute. Despite the disruption, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept his side alive by pulling off a string of world-class saves to deny Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, and Nico Williams, culminating in a spectacular flying stop from a Yamal free-kick in the dying seconds of normal time.

The Turning Point and The Decisive Blow

Argentina’s task grew severely complicated three minutes into second-half added time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a challenge on Cubarsi. Operating with ten men, the defending champions could not withstand the relentless pressure in extra time.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 106th minute. Pedro Porro floated a precise cross to the far post, where Nico Williams expertly headed it down into the path of Ferran Torres. The substitute made no mistake, burying a fierce, first-time rocket into the roof of the net to seal football’s ultimate prize.

Key Match Statistics

• Defensive Masterclass: Spain’s tactical chokehold was so complete that Argentina, who had scored 19 goals leading up to the final, failed to register a single shot on target until extra time.
• History Repeated: Mirroring their maiden World Cup triumph in 2010 against the Netherlands, Spain once again found their solitary, trophy-winning breakthrough during the grueling extra-time period.