Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday's final at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Substitute Ferran Torres etched his name into Spanish football history by scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute, ending a tense battle and securing La Roja's second World Cup title, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa.
Spain dictated the tempo for much of the contest, enjoying the lion's share of possession and repeatedly probing Argentina's defence. However, the South Americans, despite being reduced to 10 men, held firm for over 100 minutes before finally succumbing to relentless Spanish pressure.
Torres eventually found the breakthrough in extra time, sending Spanish fans into wild celebrations and leaving Argentina with little time to mount a comeback.
Lionel Messi struggled to influence the game against Spain's organised defence and was forced to retreat into deeper positions in an attempt to create openings for his teammates during the closing stages.
Argentina's best opportunity arrived late in the match when Messi released Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area, but the winger's dangerous cross was turned behind for a corner. Simeone later squandered another chance by firing over the crossbar after a knockdown from the resulting set piece.
Messi also produced Argentina's first effort on target in the latter stages of the encounter, but his fierce strike crashed into Mikel Merino, leaving the Spanish midfielder requiring medical attention before play resumed.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón remained alert throughout the closing minutes, confidently dealing with Argentina's late aerial balls and long passes as Spain held on through five minutes of added time.
The victory ended Argentina's reign as world champions and completed an impressive World Cup campaign for Spain, who combined defensive discipline with attacking control to lift football's most coveted trophy for the second time in their history.
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