Written by Sunday, 19th, July 2026
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time to lift Spain to a 1-0 victory over defending champion Argentina on Sunday, securing the nation’s second FIFA World Cup championship in a tense final at MetLife Stadium.
Despite the narrow scoreline, Spain controlled the match from start to finish, dominating possession and consistently pressuring Argentina’s defense. Spain registered 12 shots on target, while Argentina failed to produce a single shot throughout regulation and most of extra time.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez delivered one of the most remarkable performances in World Cup history, making a record 11 saves to keep his team in contention. However, his heroic effort ultimately ended in the 106th minute when Nico Williams headed a pass into the path of Torres, who unleashed a powerful first-time strike beyond Martinez’s reach.
Speaking after the match, Torres described the emotions behind the decisive goal.
“I didn’t think too much,” Torres said during the postgame broadcast. “I just saw the ball coming to me and hit it with the power of all the Spanish people.“
Spain appeared to double its advantage later in extra time when Torres finished off a swift counterattack after breaking free behind Argentina’s defense. The goal, however, was disallowed following a video review that ruled Torres narrowly offside by his shoulder, leaving the score at 1-0 setting up a dramatic conclusion.
Argentina mounted its only meaningful attack in the closing minutes, generating two dangerous scoring opportunities after being held without a shot for more than 115 minutes. Spain’s defense remained composed under pressure, preserving the clean sheet and securing the historic victory.
The defending champions faced an even greater challenge after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the second half of extra time. Fernandez received his second yellow card following a heavy challenge that sent Spain defender Pau Cubarsi tumbling, forcing Argentina to play the final 30 minutes with 10 men.
The numerical disadvantage compounded Argentina’s struggles against Spain’s commanding midfield and relentless possession. Superstar Lionel Messi was largely contained throughout the contest, recording 54 touches but managing just a single shot as Spain neutralized Argentina’s attacking threats.
The victory marks Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, adding to its historic triumph in 2010. Members of that championship-winning squad were in attendance at MetLife Stadium to witness the latest generation of Spanish stars reclaim world football’s highest honor.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation to successfully defend a World Cup title since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1962 came to an end against a Spanish side that proved dominant throughout the final.