Spain edges Argentina in extra time to reclaim crown at FIFA World Cup

Spain are world champions once again after substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to seal a hard-fought 1-0 victory over reigning titleholders Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday. The triumph sealed the country's second men's title on international football's grandest stage, while also completing another historic chapter under coach Luis de la Fuente.

For long stretches, the title match showcased tactical discipline rather than attacking flair. Spain controlled possession and dictated the tempo, but struggled to turn that dominance into goals against an Argentina side which defended deep and limited spacing. The breakthrough finally arrived in extra time when Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro's pass into the path of Torres, who reacted quickest to fire in the winner.

Spain finished with 20 attempts, including 12 on target, while Argentina failed to register a shot for 115 minutes. The task became even more difficult for the defending champions after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time, leaving the Albiceleste to play extra time with 10 men.

The contest briefly boiled over after the final whistle as tempers flared between players, but La Roja's celebrations quickly took center stage. Torres, whose introduction from the bench changed the game, dedicated the winning goal to the entire country.

"It was a goal scored by 47 million people – it wasn't even mine or from the 26 players," Torres said. "It was destined to happen; it was meant to be a winner."

The victory also marked another milestone for De la Fuente. At 65, he became the oldest coach to win the FIFA World Cup, adding the global title to the UEFA European Championship crown Spain claimed under his leadership in 2024. His men also extended their unbeaten run to 38 matches, the longest ever by a European or South American men's national team.

Spanish captain Rodri was named the tournament's Golden Ball winner after anchoring La Roja's midfield throughout their unbeaten campaign, while France forward Kylian Mbappe clinched the Golden Boot with 10 goals, becoming the first player to win the award at two FIFA World Cups.

"I'm so proud of this generation of footballers who have grown up with this philosophy, remained true to it, made it even better and set an example as a team and a family," De la Fuente noted. "Looking back and thinking about them, we've won everything, absolutely everything, with this generation of players."