Spain clinched a slim victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday 19 July, 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New York, United States (US) to become new Champions of the World.
A goal in the 106th minute from substitute, Ferran Torres, delivered the trophy to the La Roja in the showdown that was tense and heavily dominated by Spain.
It was the second World Cup title for Spain.
The shot was the 12th on goal for the European side, while, Argentina, defending champions, recorded zero (0).
Coach Luis De La Fuente’s side piled pressure on the White and Sky Blue, guided by Lionel Scaloni, but, it was goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez’ brilliance that hindered every attempt from the Spaniards.
Martinez set a World Cup final record of eleven (11) saves, however, the Aston Villa goalie was unable to stop the shot blasted by Torres after Athletic Bilbao winger, Nico Williams, headed a pass the way of the Barcelona forward in extra time.
On post-match broadcast by Fox, Torres said: “Honestly I did not think too much. I just saw the ball coming to me and I shot with the power of all the Spanish people.”
The La Roja dethroned Argentina as the South Americans were trying to emerge the first champion back-to-back since Brazil in 1962.
Players of the 2010 Spanish team that previously won the World Cup were seen inside the New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Torres had a second goal that would have made it 2-0 for Spain, but, it was chalked off for offsde; the forward was all alone when he received a pass from fellow Clubmate, Lamine Yamal, as he raced toward goal and beat goalie, Martinez.
The White and Sky Blue were reduced to ten (10) men in the 3rd minute of additional time (93′) after Chelsea midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, was shown his second yellow card following his tackle on Spain’s Pau Cubarsi, which sent the centre-back flying in the air.
It was a one-sided contest that had Spain mounting all the pressure and making attempts at goal, while, Lionel Messi’s Argentina recorded no single shot after 90 minutes. The Inter Miami forward finished the encounter with fifty-four (54) touches, but, just one (1) shot.
Photo: Spain are FIFA World Cup 2026 Champions | David Ramos/Getty Images
