Spain are world champions once again.
La Roja defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), capturing the 2026 FIFA World Cup and securing the nation’s second men’s World Cup title, its first since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
The highly anticipated final featured two of the tournament’s strongest teams. Spain entered the match as reigning European champions, while Argentina was looking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a men’s World Cup title. For more than 90 minutes, both sides battled through a tense, scoreless contest, with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez making several key saves to keep his team in the match.
Argentina’s challenge became even more difficult late in regulation when Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, forcing the defending champions to play the remainder of the match with 10 men. Despite the disadvantage, Argentina managed to hold Spain scoreless until extra time.
The breakthrough finally came in the 106th minute, when Nico Williams headed down a cross from Pedro Porro, allowing substitute Ferran Torres to fire the ball into the roof of the net for the game’s only goal. Spain’s disciplined defense protected the lead until the final whistle, sealing a historic victory.
Under head coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain combined experienced leaders with a talented new generation that includes players such as Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Pedri, Nico Williams, and Ferran Torres. Their possession-based style and tactical discipline carried them through the tournament and ultimately back to the top of world football.
For Argentina, the defeat ended its bid to repeat as world champion. The loss was especially emotional for Lionel Messi, who appeared in his third World Cup final and later described the defeat as “immense pain” while thanking fans for their support throughout the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, concluded with Spain reclaiming football’s biggest prize, ending a 16-year wait to once again be crowned champions of the world.
