Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a thrilling final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero for La Roja, scoring the decisive goal in the second period of extra time to secure Spain’s second World Cup title, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010.
The final was tightly contested for 90 minutes, with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez producing a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the game.
Argentina’s hopes suffered a major blow in stoppage time of the second half when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
Reduced to 10 men, Argentina struggled to contain a dominant Spain in extra time. The breakthrough finally came when Nico Williams brilliantly knocked the ball into Torres’ path, allowing the forward to fire home the winner.
The victory ends Argentina’s reign as world champions and sees Spain lift the trophy for the second time in their history.
