SPAIN…………..1
ARGENTINA….0
FIFA World Cup 2026 – FINAL
Spain are FIFA World Cup champions for the second time in their history Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time in their history after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense final in New Jersey.
Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled much of the contest but had to wait until extra time to find the decisive breakthrough against a resilient Argentine defence led by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Spain made the brighter start, with Lamine Yamal creating the first real opportunity of the match, but his deflected effort was kept out by Martínez. Clear-cut chances were at a premium throughout the opening half, with Spain enjoying more possession but unable to break down the defending champions.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Martínez producing important saves to deny Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Pau Cubarsí as Spain increased the pressure. Argentina, meanwhile, struggled to create attacking opportunities and failed to register a single shot during the 90 minutes.
The turning point came in stoppage time when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Cubarsí, becoming only the sixth player to be sent off in a World Cup final. Reduced to ten men, Argentina were forced to defend for the remainder of the contest.
Spain thought they had taken the lead early in extra time when Nico Williams found the net, but the goal was ruled out after a foul by Mikel Merino in the build-up.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 106th minute. Nico Williams won the ball in the air and headed it into the path of Ferran Torres, who met it with a superb first-time volley into the roof of the net to put Spain ahead.
Argentina searched for an equaliser despite their numerical disadvantage, but Spain defended well to see out the remaining minutes and secure a famous victory.
The triumph gives Spain a second FIFA World Cup title and extends their unbeaten international run to 38 matches. It also denied Argentina the chance to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup, while the final is expected to mark Lionel Messi’s last appearance on the international stage.
