Spain defeated Argentina in record-breaking extra time 1-0 to win the Football World Cup of 2026 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. Ferran Torres, who was named man-of-the-match scoring the winning 106th minute goal that clinched a second title for Spain La Roja completely controlled the match for the full 90 minutes, with Argentina defending resiliently but failing to register a single shot on target—or even one attempt in general. They ended the day facing 20 shots to zero over full time.
Ferran Torres Delivers the Decisive Moment
Torres scored 37 seconds into the second half of extra time after a sweep to complete a brilliant team move from the bench. Pedro Porro curled the ball towards the back post, Nico Williams nodded it back across goal and Torres half-volleyed forward to rifle his shot past Emiliano Martínez.
Match Highlights:
- The 106th-minute goal from Ferran Torres completed the victory.
- After receiving a second yellow card, Argentina were down to 10 men.
- 11 crucial saves made by Emiliano Martínez kept Argentina in the match.
- Spain became the first World Cup winning side to concede one goal in the entire tournament.
Spain Make History Again
The defeat finally lifts Spain their 2nd FIFA World cup and the first one since 2010. They also became the only nation to win both the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup in consecutive tournaments – a feat completed twice.
Argentina, with Lionel Messi fresh from his 2022 FIFA World Cup and trifecta Copa America victories (in 2021 and 2024), could not repeat as champions. But he had little impact on the final against an overpowering Spain midfield and defence despite finishing the tournament with eight goals and four assists.
Ferran Torres, who scored a hat-trick and was awarded Player of the Match afterwards, praised the victory as belonging to Spain’s 47 million citizens. He also looked back at how he had been under fire during the tournament and thanked God for giving him power to continue.