Spain has reclaimed the pinnacle of world football, defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Forward Ferran Torres scored the match-winner in the second half of extra time with a powerful left-footed strike.
The triumph mirrors Spain’s first World Cup victory 16 years ago in 2010, when Andrés Iniesta similarly scored in extra time to secure the title. From the opening kickoff, Spain took control of possession and kept constant pressure on the South Americans, unleashing 19 total shots over 120 minutes.
Argentina goalkeeper Dibu Martínez kept his side alive with several crucial saves to force extra time. However, Argentina faced an uphill battle after midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in the closing moments of regular time for a late challenge on Cubarsí.
With a numerical advantage, Spain increased their offensive tempo until Torres finally broke the deadlock.Led by head coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s campaign was nearly flawless, yielding 14 goals while conceding just once throughout the entire tournament.
By defeating Argentina, Spain extended their unbeaten streak to a record-breaking 38 consecutive matches, surpassing the previous record of 37 held by Italy. This World Cup triumph cements a brilliant era for the team, following their Euro victory in 2024.
Argentina concluded the competition as runners-up for the fourth time in their history despite an impressive tournament under Lionel Scaloni, where they scored 19 goals and staged dramatic knockout comebacks. The historic 2026 tournament marked a new chapter for global sports, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches jointly hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.