Spain increased the tempo after the interval as manager Luis de la Fuente introduced Nico Williams to inject pace down the left flank
By Frank Ulom
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Published on July 20, 2026
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3 min read
Spain claimed the 2026 FIFA World Cup title after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time to seal a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentina in a tense and largely uneventful final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The Barcelona forward emerged as Spain’s match-winner after 113 minutes, converting from close range to hand La Roja their second consecutive major international trophy and crown them world champions after a dominant display against an Argentina side that struggled throughout the contest.
Spain dictated possession from the opening whistle and looked determined to impose their trademark passing game, while Argentina adopted a defensive approach that failed to produce a single shot on target over the course of 120 minutes.
Lamine Yamal provided Spain’s first real threat inside the opening 10 minutes, forcing goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into a smart save with a well-struck effort. Despite controlling possession, Spain lacked cutting edge in the first half, with Marc Cucurella coming closest when his powerful effort flashed narrowly wide of the post.
Spain increased the tempo after the interval as manager Luis de la Fuente introduced Nico Williams to inject pace down the left flank, while Ferran Torres stretched Argentina’s defence with intelligent movement.
Argentina, however, remained in the contest thanks to an inspired Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa goalkeeper produced a series of impressive saves to deny Spain as regulation time ended without a goal.
Argentina’s hopes suffered a major setback just before extra time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the South Americans to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Even with the numerical advantage, Spain continued to waste several promising opportunities as Martinez frustrated the European side with more outstanding saves.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Nico Williams rose highest at the far post to nod the ball back across goal. Ferran Torres reacted quickest, finding space before driving a powerful finish beyond Martinez to spark celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
Argentina attempted a late response despite being reduced to 10 men, but Spain’s defence held firm. Pau Cubarsi produced a crucial goal-line block in the closing stages to preserve the slender advantage and deny Argentina a dramatic equaliser.
The victory secured Spain’s first World Cup title since 2010 and completed back-to-back major tournament successes following their recent continental triumph. It also marked a disappointing end to Argentina’s title defence and could potentially be the final World Cup appearance of captain Lionel Messi, whose side were unable to produce the attacking quality that had defined their previous triumph.
Spain finished the tournament as deserving champions after controlling the final from start to finish, with Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike ensuring La Roja once again stood at the summit of world football.
