Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging 10-man Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal to end Lionel Messi’s hopes of finishing his World Cup career with another title.
After 120 tense minutes at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, it was Torres who emerged as Spain’s hero, striking early in the second half of extra time to hand La Roja their second World Cup crown.
The highly anticipated final, billed as the last World Cup showdown involving Argentina captain Lionel Messi, failed to produce the attacking spectacle many had expected.
Messi, who entered the final in outstanding form after scoring eight goals and providing four assists during the tournament, found little room to influence proceedings as Spain’s disciplined defence kept him quiet throughout the contest.
The 39-year-old struggled to impose himself, with Spain successfully limiting his involvement for the entire match.
Argentina’s task became even more difficult when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off late in normal time after receiving a second yellow card, reducing the defending champions to 10 men for extra time.
Despite the numerical advantage, Spain had already controlled much of the game and continued to dominate possession as it searched for the breakthrough.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a string of outstanding saves to keep Argentina in the contest, denying Spain on several occasions and setting a new World Cup final record with 11 saves.
However, Martínez’s resistance was finally broken in the 106th minute.
Torres, who had threatened throughout the game, latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area before firing a powerful finish into the roof of the net to spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
The Barcelona forward’s strike proved enough to settle the contest as Spain successfully held off Argentina during the closing stages to secure the biggest prize in international football.
For Messi, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to another remarkable World Cup campaign. Despite playing a crucial role in guiding Argentina to a third World Cup final, the Argentine captain was unable to inspire his side to back-to-back titles.
Spain, meanwhile, completed an impressive tournament by defeating the reigning champions and lifting the World Cup trophy, with Torres’ extra-time winner sealing a memorable victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side.
