Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in Sunday’s final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal to secure La Roja’s second world title.
After a fiercely contested 90 minutes ended goalless, Torres broke the deadlock in the 105th minute, clinically finishing from close range after being set up by an intelligent headed assist from Nico Williams.
Both teams created several scoring opportunities throughout the final, but outstanding goalkeeping from Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez and Spain’s Unai Simón kept the contest level during regulation time.
The breakthrough eventually came in the first half of extra time when Williams directed a perfectly weighted header into the path of Torres, who calmly slotted the ball beyond Martínez to hand Spain a historic victory.
The triumph marks another landmark achievement for head coach Luis de la Fuente, whose side completed a remarkable UEFA Euro 2024 and FIFA World Cup 2026 double, further cementing Spain’s status among world football’s elite.
Argentina, meanwhile, fell short in their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
The defeat also ended Lionel Messi’s quest for a second World Cup winners’ medal, while Spain celebrated a memorable triumph that adds another glorious chapter to the country’s football history following its first World Cup success in 2010.
