Spain Beat Argentina to Win 2026 World Cup

Spain has won their second World Cup title on Sunday, defeating 10-man Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the MetLife Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal of the final.

The European champions dominated possession throughout the match but struggled to break down a resilient Argentina side, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez making a string of saves to keep Spain at bay.

The match changed in second-half stoppage time when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second yellow card after a reckless tackle on Pau Cubarsí.

Spain’s defender #02 Marc Pubill (R) and defender #22 Pau Cubarsi celebrate after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)

Extra time followed a familiar pattern, with Spain probing for the opening goal against a deep-lying Argentina defence.

The breakthrough came early in the second period of extra time when substitute Torres finished crisply following a brilliant knock-back by Nico Williams.

Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi reacts after the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. Spain beat 10-man Argentina 1-0 after extra-time to win their second World Cup. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)

Spain, which conceded just one goal in seven matches on its way to the final, suffocated opponents throughout the tournament with its slick possession game.

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, had battled through the knockout rounds, coming back from the dead against Egypt and recovering from a goal down to beat England in the semi-finals.

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Deborah Akwa

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