Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike hands La Roja a 1-0 win over 10-man Argentina in New Jersey; Rodri lifts the trophy 16 years after Spain’s maiden triumph
Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions on Sunday, edging Argentina 1-0 in extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium to claim their second world title and deny Lionel Messi a fairytale farewell.
The final stayed goalless through 90 tense minutes, with Emiliano Martínez producing a string of saves to keep Argentina alive. The contest turned when Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second bookable offence deep into stoppage time, leaving Argentina to play the additional 30 minutes a man down. Spain pressed relentlessly and broke through 39 seconds into the second half of extra time, when substitute Ferran Torres converted from close range following a driving run by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Spain dominated statistically throughout, finishing with 20 shots and an expected-goals tally of 1.94 to Argentina’s mere 0.2 from two attempts, completing the tournament unbeaten. The win gives Spain its second World Cup crown, its first since 2010, adding to the European Championship title it already holds.
For Messi, 38, this was almost certainly his last World Cup appearance, closing a storied international career without a repeat of Argentina’s 2022 triumph. US President Donald Trump presented the trophy to the Spanish players at the ceremony.
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