20 July 2026 (FIFA)

Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title in spectacular fashion, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final at New York New Jersey. Guided by head coach Luis de la Fuente, La Roja delivered a composed and dominant performance, eventually breaking Argentina’s resistance in the 106th minute.

Spain controlled possession and dictated the tempo for much of the match, creating several opportunities while limiting Argentina’s attacking threat. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a series of outstanding saves to keep the South Americans in contention, denying efforts from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Pau Cubarsí, Pedri and Nico Williams. However, his resilience was finally broken when Williams headed Pedro Porro’s cross into the path of Torres, who struck a first-time finish into the roof of the net to seal the historic victory.

The final lived up to its billing as a clash between the reigning European champions and South American champions, with both teams entering the match unbeaten throughout the tournament. Spain looked the more dangerous side from the opening whistle, with Yamal testing Martínez early, while Mikel Oyarzabal and Marc Cucurella also threatened before halftime. Argentina, meanwhile, struggled to create clear chances as Spain’s disciplined defensive structure neutralized Lionel Messi and the attacking unit.

Argentina’s task became increasingly difficult after injuries forced both starting centre-backs, Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero, off the field. Their hopes suffered another major setback when Enzo Fernández was sent off late in normal time, leaving the defending champions to play the closing stages with ten men.

Even in extra time, Spain continued to press forward. Although both Williams and Torres had goals ruled out, their persistence paid off when Torres finally found the decisive breakthrough, ending Argentina’s resistance and restoring Spain to the summit of world football.

Following the victory, head coach Luis de la Fuente praised his squad’s unity, character and exceptional talent, describing the players as a generation that has brought immense pride to Spain. He noted that while his side deserved to settle the contest earlier, Martínez’s outstanding goalkeeping forced them to remain patient, adding that suffering is often part of winning a World Cup final.

Spain’s triumph was accompanied by several remarkable milestones. The team conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, the fewest by any World Cup-winning side in a single edition, while goalkeeper Unai Simón recorded a tournament-record seven clean sheets. De la Fuente also became the oldest coach to win the World Cup, and Spain made history by becoming the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles, underlining a remarkable era for Spanish football.