Spain are FIFA World Cup champions for the second time after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The decisive moment came in the 105th minute when Nico Williams headed the ball into the path of Ferran Torres, who calmly finished past Emiliano Martínez to settle an absorbing contest. Spain and Argentina traded chances throughout normal time, but both goalkeepers—Unai Simón and Martínez—produced outstanding saves to keep the match scoreless before Torres finally broke the deadlock.
The victory caps a remarkable run for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who add the 2026 FIFA World Cup to their UEFA Euro 2024 crown, completing an impressive Euro–World Cup double. It is Spain’s first World Cup triumph since their historic 2010 success in South Africa and confirms the resurgence of La Roja as the dominant force in international football.
For Argentina, the defeat ends their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a World Cup title. Lionel Messi’s pursuit of a second World Cup winners’ medal also came to a heartbreaking end, while Spain’s new generation etched its name into football history with a disciplined, composed, and ultimately deserved championship performance.
