Spain Claims Second World Cup Title, Defeating 10-Man Argentina 1-0 in Extra Time.
Ferran Torres' extra-time goal secured Spain's victory over defending champions Argentina, who played with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez's red card.
The story
The FIFA World Cup 2026 culminated in a dramatic final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, yesterday, as Spain secured their second World Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina. The match remained goalless through regulation time, largely due to a dominant Spanish defense that limited Argentina to no shots on target.
Adding to Argentina's challenges, Enzo Fernandez was sent off with a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time, leaving the defending champions with 10 men. The decisive moment arrived in the 106th minute when substitute Ferran Torres, who came on in the second half, volleyed home a cross into the roof of the net, finally breaking the deadlock past Argentina's Emiliano Martinez, who had made a record 12 saves. This historic goal sealed Spain's triumph and denied Lionel Messi a second consecutive World Cup title.
Yesterday's results
Spain vs Argentina
Score: 1-0 (AET)
Key: Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute; Enzo Fernandez (ARG) received a red card.
Where it stands
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 now concluded, Spain stands as the new world champion, having defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time. This marks Spain's second World Cup title, while defending champions Argentina finish as runners-up.
England secured third place earlier in the tournament by beating France 6-4. Individual awards were also announced: Spain's Rodri claimed the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player, Unai Simon earned the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper, and Pau Cubarsi was named Best Young Player. France's Kylian Mbappe took home the Golden Boot with 10 goals.
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.