Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final to lift their second men’s World Cup trophy.
The decisive goal came in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres converted from close range after Nico Williams’ header, sealing a historic victory for Spain.
Spain controlled much of the match and created several clear chances, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest.
Argentina suffered a major setback late in normal time when Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a dangerous challenge, forcing the defending champions to play extra time with ten men.
Although Martínez continued to deny Spain with several brilliant saves, Ferran Torres finally broke the deadlock in extra time to decide the final.
Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Nico Williams were constant threats throughout the match, while a goal by Williams was ruled out for a foul.
US President Donald Trump attended the final as a special guest. The tournament also featured the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show, with performances by Shakira, Madonna and Justin Bieber.
After the match, Trump presented the World Cup trophy and medals to the Spanish team, while FIFA awarded each Spain player a commemorative championship ring.
The victory gave Spain its second FIFA World Cup title after its first triumph in 2010. Spain also became the first nation in football history to hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles simultaneously.
Argentina reached its seventh World Cup final but fell short of defending the title it won in 2022. The match was also widely viewed as Lionel Messi’s possible final appearance in a FIFA World Cup.
