Spain emerged as the champions of the 2026 World Cup, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final on July 19. The decisive moment arrived in extra time when Ferran Torres struck to break the deadlock against an Argentine side that had been reduced to ten men.
Entering the final, both nations boasted unbeaten records in the tournament. Argentina made tactical adjustments, bringing in Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez to the starting lineup while keeping Inter’s Lautaro Martinez and Como’s Nico Paz on the bench. Lionel Messi achieved a historic milestone, becoming the second player after Marcos Cafu to appear in three separate World Cup Finals. Spain, meanwhile, relied on Lamine Yamal, who overcame a left thigh issue to feature in the match.
The first half saw limited clinical opportunities. Emiliano Martinez was called into action early to deny a deflected effort from Yamal and later had to smother a strike from Mikel Oyarzabal in the 39th minute. Argentina suffered a blow before the break when Lisandro Martinez exited with a thigh injury, replaced by Nicolas Otamendi. Leandro Paredes also entered the fray at half-time, replacing Gonzalez.
The second half remained intense as Alex Baena and Dani Olmo tested the Argentine goalkeeper. Defensive efforts from Gonzalo Montiel and Cristian Romero, who also left the game injured, helped keep the score level. Emi Martinez palmed a resulting Lamine Yamal free kick round the post, so Spain and 10-man Argentina went to extra time, with the Seleccion not having a single shot on goal in the 90 minutes. As the match progressed, tempers flared, and Enzo Fernandez received his second yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi, leading to his dismissal. Spain nearly broke through earlier, but a goal by Mikel Merino was disallowed for a foul on Otamendi.
The breakthrough finally occurred when Nico Williams knocked down a cross, allowing Ferran Torres to smash a half-volley into the roof of the net from 7 yards out. Despite late efforts from Argentina, including a desperate scramble involving Giuliano Simeone, they were unable to equalize. The match concluded with a confrontation at the final whistle involving Leandro Paredes, marking a tense end to the tournament final.
