FIFA World Cup 2026 saw a dramatic finale as Spain edged past Argentina 1-0 in extra time to lift their second world title.
Ferran Torres Breaks the Deadlock
After a tense and closely fought match, Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring in the 106th minute to finally break Argentina’s resilient defense and seal victory for Spain.
Who won FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the only goal, in the 106th minute, after coming on as a substitute.
It's Spain's second World Cup title, after 2010. It also marked the 38th consecutive match without a loss for this Spanish squad. Messi and Argentina fell just short — this is widely expected to be Messi's last World Cup, since he'll be 43 by the 2030 tournament.
Argentina Reduced to 10 Men
Argentina’s challenge suffered a major setback late in normal time when Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The dismissal forced Argentina to play extra time with 10 men, making their task even more difficult.
Tense Finish and Emotional Reactions
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Argentina fought hard but couldn’t hold off Spain’s pressure. The match ended on a heated note, with emotions running high and tempers flaring after the final whistle.
Spain Celebrate Historic Triumph
The victory marks Spain’s second World Cup title, capping off a remarkable campaign and reaffirming their place among football’s elite nations.
The final (July 19, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ)
- Spain 1–0 Argentina after extra time (0–0 through 90 minutes and the first 15-minute extra period)
- Ferran Torres, who'd come on as a substitute in the 62nd minute, scored the winner in the 106th minute — pouncing on a rebound and finishing left-footed under the crossbar
- Argentina played the last stretch of extra time down a man after Enzo Fernández picked up a second yellow card in stoppage time
Messi and Argentina
- Messi finished the tournament with 8 goals and 4 assists, second in the Golden Boot race
- This is widely seen as his last World Cup — he'll be 43 by 2030
- Mbappé (France) top-scored the tournament with 10 goals, finishing with a bronze-medal win over England in the third-place match
