In a tough match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 World Cup. The final game was watched by over 80,000 fans. Argentina, who were the previous champions, had to play with only ten players for much of the game after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a foul. Spain played very aggressively.
Ferran Torres, a substitute player for Barcelona, scored the only goal of the game in the 106th minute. This was his first goal in the tournament. It was enough to give Spain their second World Cup title, their first being in 2010. Torres said the goal was for all of Spain.
Spain controlled the game, taking many more shots than Argentina. Rodri, Spain's captain, was named the best player of the tournament for his excellent play. Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, made many great saves, but it wasn't enough. Spain's manager, Luis de la Fuente, praised Martinez's performance.
For Lionel Messi, this loss was disappointing. He became the oldest player to play in a World Cup final and scored eight goals in the tournament. He said he was sad but proud of his team. Argentina hoped to win back-to-back World Cups, a feat not achieved since 1962.
The tournament was the biggest ever, with 48 teams playing in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The final match was followed by a brief argument between players. Spain's victory marks a new period of success for their football team, as they also hold the women's World Cup title. Spain's goalkeeper, Unai Simon, won the Golden Glove award.