TD EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY — Spain are crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup after a tense 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in a dramatic final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Spain’s relentless pressure finally paid off deep into extra time, with Ferran Torres emerging as the hero after firing home the decisive goal to break Argentina’s stubborn resistance.
The narrow victory would hand La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title, adding to the trophy they won in South Africa in 2010.
Despite the presence of Lionel Messi, Argentina struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities against a disciplined Spanish side that dominated possession and dictated the tempo throughout the contest.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez kept Argentina in the match with a string of impressive saves before Spain eventually found the breakthrough.
The final was billed as a clash between generations, pitting Argentina’s legendary captain Messi against Spain’s emerging stars led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Spain’s youthful energy, tactical discipline and defensive solidity ultimately proved decisive in one of the most closely contested World Cup finals in recent memory.
Argentina’s task became even more difficult after Enzo Fernández was sent off late in extra time, leaving the reigning champions to finish the match with ten men as they searched desperately for an equaliser.
Spain held firm to preserve the slim advantage until the final whistle.
Spain completed an outstanding tournament campaign, defeating France in the semi-finals before overcoming Argentina to reclaim football’s biggest prize.
Argentina, meanwhile, finished runners-up after an impressive title defence that fell just short in the championship match.
