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For the second time in the history of the FIFA World Cup, Spain can qualify as champions.
It was Ferran Torres, who came on in the second half, who finally managed to beat Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in extra time for the 1-0 victory at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday evening.
It was Spain’s second appearance in the World Cup final, but like they did in 2010, they got the job done.
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Spain forward Ferran Torres celebrates his team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, if this was Lionel Messi’s last match for Argentina, it ended in heartbreak.
As expected, both teams were trying to take control of this game, which meant possession was key and scoring chances were going to be few and far between.
In the first half, Spain did what they have done throughout the tournament, controlling the pace of the game and making quick decisions close to the opponent’s box.
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Lamine Yamal and company had a few chances early on, but none managed to cross Emiliano Martínez’s goal line.
On the other side, Unai Simón faced even less pressure from the Argentine attack, as Spain’s strong defense continued against Lionel Messi and his compatriots.
By the end of the first half, neither team had managed to break through the scoreboard, with each country immediately discussing what to do to change that. They would have more time to do so, as Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and many other musical guests were performing at halftime on the field at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
Early in the second half, Spain appeared to have answers, creating some good chances, including a clear shot past Martínez. However, the goalkeeper managed to make the save.
Then, in the 55th minute, a nice pass from Dani Olmo into the box led to a pass towards Marc Cucurella. But Gonzalo Montiel beat Cucurella from the spot, throwing the ball out of bounds for a corner, keeping a Grade A chance to hit the net.
Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) scores his first goal during the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortés)
Spain, however, continued to apply pressure, including multiple corners and shots to challenge Martínez. Ferran Torres, who had just replaced him, made a nice header after a Yamal cross in the 66th minute, but Martínez was there again.
It felt like every ounce of momentum was going Spain’s way, with Argentina still looking for their first shot attempt, let alone a shot on goal. Spain had 10 shots, seven of which found Martínez’s goal in the 82nd minute.
Nevertheless, Martínez remained a brick wall, especially when Nico Williams arrived during stoppage time and fired a shot that was saved. Yamal couldn’t believe Williams didn’t pass the ball to him, as he didn’t have any Argentine defenders on him at the far post.
Seconds later, however, a key moment came in that final match when Enzo Fernández’s poor challenge led to his second yellow card, which resulted in a red card in the 93rd minute. From that point on, Argentina had to play down a man.
Just before the end of regular time, a foul on Torres outside the Argentinian box gave Yamal, 19, a chance to win the World Cup. He launched a fine strike at the ball, which would have snuck into the left side of the net if it hadn’t been for another spectacular save from Martínez.
This match required overtime, but Argentina would be forced to play the next 30 minutes with fewer men than Spain. And it looked like Spain had finally passed Martínez when Williams fired a missed shot by Mikel Merino in front of the net. However, a foul was called before Williams scored, negating the goal and keeping the tie in place.
The call was controversial, as it seemed Nicolás Otamendi sold his contact with Merino a bit. But the appeal was upheld and the goal was taken off the board.
But Spain never lost their determination to overtake Martínez, and the moment finally came in the second half of extra time.
When play resumed, a cross into the box was kept alive by Williams’ header and the ball landed right at Torres’ foot. Torres wasn’t trying to be cheeky, as he fired a shot that clattered under the crossbar to finally score a goal in the 106th minute.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) stands next to Spain’s Pedri (20) during the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Argentina did their best to create chances on Simón to keep their World Cup hopes alive, but to no avail. In the end, Spain did not allow any shots on goal, while generating 20.
Throughout the tournament, Spain conceded only one goal to their opponents, demonstrating their dominance from start to finish. It was fitting that their tournament ended with a trophy in hand.
