Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, ending Lionel Messi's dream of retaining the world title in what could prove to be his final World Cup appearance.
After a tense and tactical final remained scoreless through 90 minutes, Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal just 39 seconds into the second half of extra time, finishing from close range after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro's cross back across goal to seal Spain's second World Cup title and first since their triumph in 2010.
Spain controlled the match from start to finish, dominating possession and creating the vast majority of the chances.
Luis de la Fuente's side finished with 20 shots, 12 on target and 31 touches inside Argentina's penalty area, while Argentina managed just two shots throughout the entire match, with none on target, producing one of the quietest attacking displays of Lionel Scaloni's reign.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept Argentina alive with a World Cup final-record 11 saves, denying Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and several Spanish attackers throughout regulation and extra time.
However, even his outstanding performance was not enough to prevent Spain's relentless pressure from eventually paying off.
Argentina's task became even more difficult after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in stoppage time following a second yellow card, forcing the defending champions to play the entire extra-time period with 10 men.
For Lionel Messi, the defeat marked a heartbreaking conclusion to a remarkable tournament.
The 39-year-old captain was largely isolated throughout the final as Spain's midfield prevented Argentina from building sustained attacks, limiting the legendary forward's influence in what many expect to be his final World Cup match.
The victory extended Spain's unbeaten run to 38 consecutive matches and made them the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men's and women's FIFA World Cup titles, underlining the country's current dominance on the international stage.
Following the final whistle, emotions ran high as players from both sides were involved in brief confrontations before Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni intervened to calm the situation.
Several individual awards were also announced after the final. Rodri received the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player after anchoring Spain's dominant midfield throughout the competition, while Unai Simon claimed the Golden Glove after Spain conceded just one goal during the tournament.
⭐️🇪🇸 Ferran Torres receives the FIFA Man of the Match Award for the World Cup Final. 💥 pic.twitter.com/Du6Mp9sib1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2026
Young defender Pau Cubarsi was named Best Young Player, edging teammate Lamine Yamal after an outstanding World Cup campaign.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also made history by becoming the oldest manager ever to win the FIFA World Cup at 65 years and 28 days, maintaining his unbeaten record in competitive matches as Spain manager.
As Spain celebrated lifting the trophy, one of the tournament's most memorable images came after the medal ceremony when Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi shared an emotional embrace, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one generation of football greatness to the next.
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