Spain dethrone Argentina to win 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain ended Argentina's reign as world champions with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in extra time on Sunday, securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup title at New York New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres struck the decisive blow in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second global crown.

Spain break Argentine resistance

La Roja dominated possession throughout the final but found the Albiceleste defense difficult to penetrate during regulation time. Lamine Yamal forced an early save from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the opening period, while Lionel Messi remained largely isolated by Spain's tactical discipline. The European champions controlled the tempo with slick passing sequences, while their opponents failed to register a single attempt on goal before the interval.

Extra time decider

The match appeared destined for penalties until Torres broke the deadlock six minutes into the additional period — a finish that shattered Argentine resistance. Pedro Porro delivered the ball to the far post where Nico Williams nodded it down for the Barcelona forward, who smashed his volley into the roof of the net. Argentina's hopes of a late recovery faded when Enzo Fernandez received a red card, reducing the defending champions to ten men for the closing stages.

Second crown for La Roja

The victory secured Spain's second World Cup triumph, emulating their 2010 success in South Africa when Andres Iniesta scored the winner against the Netherlands. Torres's goal at the New Jersey venue added another chapter to Spanish football history, coming exactly 16 years after that memorable night in Johannesburg. More than 82,000 spectators witnessed the European side dethrone the holders in a tense encounter that extended beyond the regulation ninety minutes.