Spain are the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a captivating final played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.
According to the Associated Press, substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match in the 106th minute, converting a headed assist from Nico Williams to hand Spain their second FIFA World Cup title and first since 2010.
Spain dominated much of the contest, creating the better scoring opportunities, but were repeatedly denied by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who produced a string of outstanding saves to keep his side in the match.
Argentina’s hopes of retaining the title suffered a major setback late in normal time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off, forcing the South Americans to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
The victory capped an outstanding tournament for Spain, who finished the competition unbeaten and conceded just one goal throughout the entire campaign.
The final also marked the end of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, bringing to a close a month-long tournament that featured 104 matches.
BBC Sport reports that Spain’s triumph crowns a remarkable era for the national team, adding the 2026 FIFA World Cup to their UEFA Euro 2024 title and reaffirming their status among world football’s elite.
