Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the match-winner, scoring in the 106th minute after meeting Nico Williams’ headed pass and finishing past Emiliano Martínez from close range to hand La Roja their second men’s World Cup title and first since 2010.
The victory also made Spain the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles, ending Argentina’s reign as champions.
Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession for much of the contest but were repeatedly denied by Martínez, who produced a series of outstanding saves to keep Argentina in the game.
The final became increasingly physical as Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić dealt with several heavy challenges, while Argentina suffered a major setback deep into stoppage time of normal time when Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless tackle on Pau Cubarsí.
Despite enjoying a numerical advantage, Spain had to wait until extra time before finally breaking the deadlock. Williams’ header found Torres inside the box, and the substitute made no mistake with a clinical finish.
Williams had earlier seen a goal ruled out after Mikel Merino was adjudged to have fouled Nicolás Otamendi in the build-up, while Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal also tested Martínez during regulation time.
Argentina struggled to create clear-cut chances, with captain Lionel Messi, who had scored eight goals during the tournament, effectively contained by Spain’s disciplined defence and unable to register a shot on target.
The world champions had reached the final after dramatic victories over Egypt and England but fell short in their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
Spain’s triumph capped a remarkable tournament in which they conceded just one goal and swept the major individual awards.
Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player after orchestrating Spain’s midfield throughout the competition, while goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Golden Glove following a string of commanding performances that helped La Roja set a World Cup record of 650 consecutive minutes without conceding.
Teenage defender Pau Cubarsí was named Best Young Player after an impressive breakthrough tournament, while France captain Kylian Mbappé secured the Golden Boot with 10 goals, becoming the first player to finish as the tournament’s top scorer at two consecutive World Cups.
The Netherlands received the FIFA Fair Play Award, while England claimed third place with a 6-4 victory over France in the play-off.
Spain’s latest success adds to De la Fuente’s growing list of achievements after guiding the country to the UEFA Euro 2024 title, cementing his place among the nation’s most successful coaches.
