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EAST RUTHERFORD: Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after substitute Ferran Torres scored an extra-time winner to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in the final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
The decisive moment came in the 106th minute, when Torres found the net after Spain had dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the contest. Despite their control of the match, the Spaniards were repeatedly denied by Argentina’s resolute defence until the breakthrough finally arrived in extra time.
Argentina struggled to impose themselves offensively, becoming the first team in World Cup final history not to register a single shot during the 90 minutes of regulation time, as Spain’s disciplined pressing and defensive organization effectively neutralized the reigning champions’ attack.
The victory marks Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, adding to their historic triumph in 2010. It also extends the team’s unbeaten run to 38 matches, underscoring the impressive tenure of head coach Luis de la Fuente, who added a World Cup crown to the UEFA Euro 2024 title won under his leadership. At 65, De la Fuente became the oldest coach to win the FIFA World Cup.
The final featured football icons including Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, but both found limited space to influence proceedings. Spain’s substitutes ultimately proved decisive, with Torres and Nico Williams injecting fresh energy into the attack as the match entered extra time.
Tensions flared after the final whistle, with a confrontation involving players from both teams leading to the dismissal of Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández. Despite the heated ending, Spain celebrated a memorable triumph, reclaiming football’s biggest prize after a 16-year wait.
