Spain has won the 2026 FIFA World Cup over Argentina, knocking off Lionel Messi and the reigning champions and capping off a memorable tournament where La Roja only gave up one goal during its eight-game run.
A tense, high-quality final in New Jersey was finally settled after extra time as Spain substitute Ferran Torres scored the games only goal in extra tine for the victory.
Torres placed a perfect shot into the top of the net past Argentina keeper Emiliano Martínez in the 106th minute of the match to end Argentina’s reign as world champions.
It’s the second men’s title for Spain and its first since 2010. Spanish winger Lamine Yamal was only three years old that year and now the 19-year-old Barcelona star can add a World Cup title to his already impressive résumé.
The win likely ends a golden era for Messi and Argentina, in which the 39-year-old icon won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles (2021, 2024).
With Spain now holding the World Cup trophy along with the 2024 European Championship title, this generation is poised for its own dynastic run similar to when La Roja won three major trophies (one World Cup and two Euros) from 2008-2012.
While Lamine Yamal only scored once throughout the tournament, Luis de la Fuente’s side thrived with its approach that didn’t overtly rely on a single star.
Players like midfielder Rodri, forward Mikel Oyarzabal (who finished with five goals in the tournament) and goalkeeper Unaí Simon (who will likely win the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper) had masterful performances throughout the tournament.
Torres became only the fifth substitute to score in a World Cup final — and first since Mario Götze for Germany in 2014, whose goal won the final against Argentina.
Torres is also only the second Barcelona player to score in a World Cup final, after Andrés Iniesta, who scored the winner for Spain in extra-time over the Netherlands in 2010.
Spain was absolutely dominant in terms of possession and shot attempts. Lionel Messi and Argentina found a way to hang on and force extra time — but barely.
And in the opening moment of the second 15-minute period of extra time, Torres pounced on a bouncing ball in the box and used his left foot to bury a shot just under the crossbar and into the back of the net.
Enzo Fernandez was sent off in second-half stoppage time after getting his second yellow card, meaning Argentina was forced to finish the match with only 10 players. Fernandez was carded for a reckless play that sent Spain defender Pau Cubarsi cartwheeling into the air, and the card came out immediately.
Another foul about two minutes after play resumed gave Lamine Yamal a chance to win it from about 22 yards out on a free kick. Yamal’s strike was curling toward the right post, and Martinez dived to knock it away for his 10th save of the afternoon — the most ever in a World Cup final.
He leaped to his feet, punching the air and imploring the crowd to get loud. Not long after that came the whistle, sending the game to extra time.
Spain took 15 shots in regulation, Argentina none. Spain took nine corners, Argentina one. And somehow, 90-plus minutes of that sort of dominance wasn’t enough.
Spain’s World Cup campaign had a rocky start as it had a scoreless group-stage draw with Cape Verde – one of the tournament’s surprise sides. Wins over Saudi Arabia (4-0) and Uruguay (1-0) ensured they finished at the top of Group H.
In the knockout rounds, Spain beat Austria, 3-0, in the round of 32 before grinding out a 1-0 win over Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in the round of 16.
A 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarterfinals set up a blockbuster semifinals clash with France, but Spain dominated that match with a clinical 2-0 win.
In the win over Argentina in Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium, Spain kept Messi and Co. at bay by dominating possession throughout the afternoon. Argentina had only one shot on goal, compared to Spain’s 12, and had to play all of added extra time with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off with two yellow cards.
With its victory, Spain became the first nation to simultaneously hold the World Cup crowns in both men’s and women’s soccer.
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Sina Retzlaff
Tuiloma Lemalu Sina Retzlaff is a Certified Accountant and Accredited Mediator by profession. She has served on the Boards of SQA, CBS, NUS, Samoa Housing and Lakapi Samoa. She is the author of short story; Unborn Child.
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