Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday after Ferran Torres scored a dramatic extra-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina, denying Lionel Messi a dream farewell on football’s biggest stage.
Torres struck in the 106th minute at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, capping a dominant Spanish performance in front of a crowd of 80,663 that included US President Donald Trump. The victory handed Spain only its second World Cup title, 16 years after lifting the trophy for the first time in South Africa in 2010.
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For Argentina captain Messi, almost certainly appearing in his final World Cup match at the age of 39, the defeat ended hopes of adding a second World Cup title to his glittering career. Spain’s disciplined defence ensured Argentina failed to register a single shot on target across 120 minutes.
Torres Delivers the Decisive Moment
Spain controlled possession and created the better chances throughout the contest, but Emiliano Martinez repeatedly frustrated Luis de la Fuente’s side with a string of crucial saves.
🇪🇸 The moment Ferran Torres unleashes a thunderbolt in extra time to send Spain into World Cup final ecstasy!
🏆 The winner that crowned La Roja champions — pure magic in the 106th! pic.twitter.com/CjflwT13aY
— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) July 20, 2026
The breakthrough finally arrived after Nico Williams nodded Pedro Porro’s lofted cross into the path of Torres, who hammered an unstoppable finish into the roof of the net.
“Ultimately, the goal belongs to 47 million people, not just me or the 26 players,” Torres said after the victory, referring to Spain’s population.
“At the end of the day, all finals are tough; when you’re up against Messi, there’s a certain nervousness, but we always believed in our football and in ourselves.”
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Earlier in extra time, Williams thought he had opened the scoring, but Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic ruled out his effort for a marginal foul on Nicolas Otamendi.
Frustration Boils Over as Argentina Finish With 10 Men
The final developed into a fiercely contested encounter marked by several heavy challenges.
Alexis Mac Allister escaped an early booking after catching Dani Olmo with a studs-up tackle, while Spain’s Alex Baena also avoided punishment after catching Messi with an elbow.
Argentina continued committing cynical fouls as Spain dictated play. Lisandro Martinez eventually received the first yellow card for bringing down Mikel Oyarzabal before leaving injured and making way for Nicolas Otamendi.
Enzo Fernandez’s frustration boiled over late in normal time when he received a booking for dissent before seeing a straight red card in stoppage time for a dangerous challenge on Pau Cubarsi. Argentina entered extra time with only 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Martinez continued to keep Argentina alive with saves from Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Torres before finally being beaten by the Barcelona striker.
Spain Complete a New Era of Success
Spain’s triumph capped an outstanding tournament built around a young squad featuring Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Nico Williams and Cubarsi, alongside experienced leaders such as Rodri and Dani Olmo. The victory also reinforced Luis de la Fuente’s remarkable record after guiding Spain to UEFA Nations League and European Championship success before conquering the world.
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For Messi, the defeat brought an emotional end to a remarkable World Cup journey that included victory in Qatar in 2022. Although Argentina fell short of retaining their crown, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves the tournament as one of football’s greatest players.
Spain, meanwhile, celebrated a deserved victory after dominating the final from start to finish and proving that their new generation is ready to lead world football.
