Spain are the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, securing their second World Cup crown in history.

Ferrán Torres emerged as the hero for La Roja, scoring the decisive goal early in extra time after a superb assist from Nico Williams to finally break Argentina’s stubborn resistance in a match dominated by the European champions.

The final began with Spain controlling possession as expected, while Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina adopted a disciplined defensive approach, sitting deep and waiting for counter-attacking opportunities. Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez found little space during the opening stages as Spain dictated the tempo through Rodri, Dani Olmo and the lively Lamine Yamal.

Spain created the first clear opportunity in the sixth minute when Yamal was denied by Emiliano Martínez, who would go on to produce one of the finest goalkeeping displays in World Cup final history. The Aston Villa goalkeeper repeatedly frustrated Spain, making outstanding saves from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella, Pedri, Laporte, Ferrán Torres and Yamal to keep Argentina in the contest.

Despite Spain’s dominance, Argentina remained compact defensively, limiting clear-cut chances while occasionally threatening through quick transitions led by Messi. However, the South Americans struggled to register meaningful efforts on target throughout much of the contest.The first half ended goalless, with Spain enjoying the better possession and chances, while Argentina remained committed to their tactical discipline.

After the restart, Spain continued piling pressure on the reigning champions. Dani Olmo, Pedri and Ferrán Torres all tested Martínez, but the Argentine goalkeeper produced a series of remarkable saves that kept the score level.

Lionel Scaloni introduced several substitutions in an attempt to inject energy into his side, while Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also refreshed his attack by introducing Nico Williams and Mikel Merino.

The turning point arrived late in normal time when Argentina were reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card, forcing the Albiceleste to defend desperately through the closing minutes.

Even then, Martínez denied Yamal from a dangerous free-kick deep into stoppage time to force extra time.

Spain wasted little time asserting themselves in the additional 30 minutes. Martínez again came to Argentina’s rescue with another magnificent save from Nico Williams before Spain twice thought they had taken the lead, only for efforts to be ruled out.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 106th minute when Nico Williams burst down the flank and delivered a perfectly weighted pass for Ferrán Torres, who calmly finished past Martínez to send the Spanish supporters into celebration.

Spain continued to threaten and even had another Ferrán Torres goal ruled out for offside, while Argentina struggled to create meaningful opportunities despite chasing the game.

Their best chance came deep into stoppage time when Giuliano Simeone found himself in a promising position, but his effort flew well off target, summing up Argentina’s frustrating evening.Moments later, the final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations as Spain were crowned world champions once again, adding a second FIFA World Cup title to their historic triumph in 2010.