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For the second time in FIFA World Cup history, Spain can call themselves champions.
It was second-half starter Ferran Torres, who finally got the ball past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in extra time for a 1-0 victory at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday night.
This was Spain’s second ever World Cup final, but just like they did in 2010, they got the job done.
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Spain’s forward Ferran Torres celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup soccer tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the 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 game for Argentina, it ended in heartbreak.
As expected, both teams looked to take control of this game, meaning possession was key and chances to strike would be few.
In the first half, it was Spain who did what they have done throughout the tournament, controlling the tempo of the game and being quick with decision-making close to the opponent’s box.
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Lamine Yamal and company had some chances early on, but none were able to get past Emiliano Martínez’s goal line.
At the other end, Unai Simón faced even less pressure from the Argentina attack as Spain’s strong defense continued against Lionel Messi and his compatriots.
At the end of the first half, neither team cracked the scoreboard as each country immediately talked about what it would take to change that. They would have more time to do so as Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and many other musical guests performed during halftime on the field at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
As the second half began, Spain looked to have some answers, creating big chances, including a clear shot at Martínez. However, the goalkeeper was able to save.
Then in the 55th minute a beautiful pass to Dani Olmo into the box led to a pass back to Marc Cucurella. But Gonzalo Montiel beat Cucurella to the spot and sent the ball out for a corner, preventing a Grade A chance from hitting the net.
Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) scores their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
However, Spain continued to apply pressure, including several corners and shots to challenge Martínez. Substitute Ferran Torres had a great header from Yamal’s cross in the 66th minute, but Martínez was right 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 shot on target. Spain had 10 shots, seven of which found Martínez’s goal in the 82nd minute.
Nevertheless, Martínez remained a wall, especially when Nico Williams came flying in on the stroke of half-time and ripped a shot that was deflected away. Yamal couldn’t believe Williams didn’t cross it to him as he had no Argentine defender on him at the far post.
Just seconds later, however, came a key moment in this final game when Enzo Fernandez’s poor challenge led to his second yellow card, prompting a red card in the 93rd minute. From that point on, Argentina had to play a man down.
Just before regular time ended, a mistake on Torres outside Argentina’s box led to a chance for 19-year-old Yamal to win the World Cup. He sent a great shot at the ball and it would have crept into the left side of the net had it not been for another spectacular save from Martínez.
This match required extra time, but Argentina would be forced to play the next 30 minutes with fewer men than Spain. And it looked like Spain were finally getting past Martínez when Williams buried a shot that Mikel Merino missed 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 appeared that Nicolás Otamendi sold his contact with Merino a bit. But the call stood and the goal was taken off the board.
But Spain never lost its will to get past Martínez and the moment finally arrived in the second half of extra time.
When play resumed, a cross into the box was kept alive by Williams’ head and the ball landed right at the feet of Torres. Torres didn’t try to be cheeky as he ripped a shot that slammed under the crossbar to eventually put a goal on the board in the 106th minute.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) stands next to Spain’s Pedri (20) during the World Cup soccer final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Argentina did their best to create chances for Simón to keep their World Cup hopes alive, but to no avail. In the end, Spain did not allow a single shot on target while generating 20 of their own.
Throughout the tournament, Spain only conceded one goal to their opponents, showing dominance from start to finish. It was only right that their tournament ended with the trophy in hand.
