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KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time after defeating Argentina 1-0 following extra time in the 2026 final at New York New Jersey Stadium. The victory added another global title to Spain’s historic 2010 triumph in South Africa.
Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s match-winning hero after coming off the bench and scoring the only goal in the 106th minute. His decisive finish broke the deadlock early in the second period of extra time, finally rewarding Spain for their sustained attacking pressure.
The two teams could not be separated during the opening 90 minutes, with Spain controlling much of the possession and creating the clearer opportunities. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced several important saves to keep the defending champions in contention as Spain continued to push for a breakthrough.
Argentina’s task became more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off late in regulation time following a second yellow card. Playing with 10 men, Lionel Scaloni’s side attempted to remain organised and take the contest to penalties, but Spain eventually took advantage of their numerical superiority.
The breakthrough arrived when Torres completed an attacking move involving Pedro Porro and Nico Williams. The substitute remained composed inside the penalty area and delivered the finish that sent the Spanish players and supporters into celebration.
Argentina attempted to respond during the remaining minutes of extra time, but Spain’s defence held firm to preserve the narrow lead. The result ended Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the men’s World Cup title.
Spain were deserving champions after producing one of the strongest defensive campaigns in tournament history. Luis de la Fuente’s team conceded only one goal across eight matches, setting a World Cup record for a champion while combining defensive discipline with controlled possession and aggressive pressing.
The final reflected Spain’s overall approach throughout the competition. Their midfield repeatedly dictated the tempo, while their defenders restricted Argentina’s attacking opportunities and prevented Messi and Julián Álvarez from finding space in dangerous areas.
Spain reached the final after defeating France 2-0 in the semifinals, having previously eliminated Belgium and Portugal during their knockout-stage campaign. Argentina advanced by overcoming England in the semifinals following victories against Switzerland and Egypt.
The triumph also made Spain the first country to simultaneously hold the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles. Spain’s women won their first global championship in 2023, while the men’s team have now added the 2026 trophy to their previous success in 2010.
For De la Fuente, the victory completed another major achievement after guiding Spain to the UEFA European Championship title in 2024. At 65, he also became the oldest coach to win the men’s World Cup.
The defeat brought Argentina’s title defence to an emotional conclusion. The South American side entered the final seeking a fourth World Cup crown after winning the tournament in 1978, 1986 and 2022, but Spain’s control and persistence ultimately proved decisive.
Messi, who captained Argentina to glory in Qatar four years earlier, was visibly emotional following the final whistle. The 2026 tournament may represent his final World Cup appearance, although no official decision regarding his international future was immediately confirmed.
Spain’s victory also extended their unbeaten run to 38 matches, reported as the longest achieved by a European men’s national team. The streak underlined the consistency of a squad that combined established figures such as Rodri with younger talents including Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Nico Williams.
