Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Argentina 1–0 in an enthralling final that went into extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The highly anticipated encounter saw Spain dominate possession while Argentina relied on quick counterattacks led by captain Lionel Messi. Despite both teams creating several scoring opportunities, neither side could find the breakthrough during the 90 minutes of regulation time.
Spain came close through Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a series of crucial saves. At the other end, Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simón, was equally impressive, denying Argentina on several occasions to keep the match goalless.
The deadlock was finally broken in the second half of extra time when substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal. The move began with a swift attack from midfield before Yamal threaded a perfectly weighted pass into Torres’ path. The forward calmly slotted a low finish beyond Martínez to hand Spain the lead.
Argentina pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages, throwing players forward and creating pressure through crosses and set pieces. However, Spain’s defence stood firm to preserve the slender advantage until the final whistle.
The victory secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title and highlighted the emergence of a new generation of stars, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal playing a pivotal role throughout the tournament and in the championship-winning goal.
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