Spain vs Argentina Highlights: Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike seals Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title

ESP vs ARG final, highlights: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the FIFA World Cup 2026. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute. Spain dominated for long periods but were denied by Emiliano Martinez until Torres’ late strike sealed their second world title.

Aachal Maniyar
Updated20 Jul 2026, 04:18:52 AM IST
Spain teammates celebrate their victory in the 2026 World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, US.
Spain teammates celebrate their victory in the 2026 World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, US.(REUTERS)

Spain vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026, Highlights: Spain became the champions of the world once again. In a tense and tightly contested final at MetLife Stadium, La Roja defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal of the night in the 106th minute.

For long periods, Spain controlled the tempo and created the clearer opportunities. Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal all went close in the first half, but Emiliano Martinez stood firm with a series of important saves. Argentina, organised and resilient, struggled to create meaningful chances of their own and were forced deeper as the match progressed.

The contest remained goalless after 90 minutes, though Spain continued to look the more dangerous side. Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time after receiving a red card, leaving Argentina to play the majority of extra time with ten men.

The breakthrough finally arrived just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time. Pedro Porro delivered a deep cross from the right, Nico Williams headed the ball back across goal, and Torres arrived late to smash it into the roof of the net. Spain then managed the remaining minutes professionally, limiting Argentina’s attempts to force a response.

The victory marked Spain’s second World Cup title, 16 years after their triumph in South Africa in 2010. For Argentina, the dream of becoming the first team in 64 years to retain the trophy ended in heartbreak, despite another determined performance under Lionel Scaloni.

Follow updates here:
20 Jul 2026, 04:18:52 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE, FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain collect their medals and the trophy

Spain step forward to receive their winners’ medals and the World Cup trophy. King Felipe VI of Spain is among the dignitaries present to congratulate the new champions.

Donald Trump approaches Rodri and tells him “you’re my favourite player”, before stopping the Spain captain again for another conversation just as he prepares to lift the trophy. Eventually, the squad refocuses on the moment and begins their celebrations.

20 Jul 2026, 04:09:35 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE, FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina collect their runner-up medals

Argentina step up to receive their silver medals. Lionel Messi is visibly emotional as he leaves the stage, breaking down in tears. At 39, this may well have been the final World Cup appearance of his extraordinary career. The Argentine captain looks up towards the stands and the vast arena, taking in a scene he may never experience again on this stage.

View full Image
rgentina's Lionel Messi receives his runners up medal from U.S. President Donald Trump during the trophy presentation
(REUTERS)
20 Jul 2026, 04:07:53 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE, FIFA World Cup 2026: Rodri wins the Golden Ball

Rodri has been named the Best Player of the Tournament and collects the Golden Ball. The Manchester City midfielder was central to Spain’s success, providing control and leadership throughout both Euro 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

View full Image
Spain's Rodri celebrates with the tournament's best player award after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
20 Jul 2026, 04:06:25 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE, FIFA World Cup 2026: Unai Simon wins the Golden Glove

Unai Simon has been named the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament and collects the Golden Glove. The Spain number one conceded just one goal across the entire competition.

View full Image
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon (23) celebrates with the Golden Glove trophy after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
20 Jul 2026, 04:05:30 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE, FIFA World Cup 2026: Pau Cubarsi named young player of the tournament

Barcelona prodigy Pau Cubarsi has been named Young Player of the Tournament. The 19-year-old centre-back delivered a series of outstanding performances throughout the competition and now lifts an award previously won by the likes of Pele and Franz Beckenbauer.

View full Image
Spain's Pau Cubarsi (22) celebrates
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
20 Jul 2026, 04:03:49 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE, FIFA World Cup 2026: Dignitaries present for the ceremony

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are also in attendance for the trophy presentation. The ceremony begins with the match officials before individual awards are handed out.

20 Jul 2026, 04:02:17 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE, FIFA World Cup 2026: Trump and Infantino take the stage

Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino make their way onto the pitch, greeted by a mixture of jeers and whistles from sections of the crowd.

20 Jul 2026, 04:01:01 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE, FIFA World Cup 2026: Trophy presentation underway

A large replica of the World Cup stands in the centre of the pitch as the formalities begin. Sergio Ramos has now emerged carrying the real trophy, a fitting choice, given both his Spanish heritage and the combative edge that defined his career.

20 Jul 2026, 03:34:00 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: Full-Time; ESP 1-0 ARG

Spain are the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions! Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike proves decisive as La Roja claim their second World Cup title.

20 Jul 2026, 03:32:46 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: 120+4' Simon claims comfortably

Argentina are awarded a free-kick in midfield and look to launch a long ball forward, but Unai Simon gathers it safely.

20 Jul 2026, 03:30:56 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: 120+2' Simeone skies it

Lionel Messi delivers the next corner and the ball drops to Giuliano Simeone, who blazes his effort high over the bar for a goal-kick.

20 Jul 2026, 03:29:15 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: 120' Argentina force successive corners

Argentina break forward quickly as Lionel Messi sets up Giuliano Simeone, whose effort is blocked for a corner. Messi’s delivery is then cleared behind for another corner.

20 Jul 2026, 03:28:16 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: 119' Merino returns to the pitch

Mikel Merino is back on his feet after the earlier collision, though he briefly leaves the field before returning. Play resumes with a dropped ball.

20 Jul 2026, 03:25:47 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: 117' Messi’s strike hits Merino

Lionel Messi latches onto a loose ball just outside the box and fires a half-volley that smashes into the face of Mikel Merino. The Spain midfielder goes down as the ball was struck with real power.

20 Jul 2026, 03:24:09 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: 115' Messi goes for glory

Lionel Messi takes the corner, receives the ball back, and attempts an audacious effort from the right flank in search of an Olympic-style goal. The ball lands on the roof of the net.

20 Jul 2026, 03:22:52 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: 114' Torres denied by the flag

Lamine Yamal slips a pass through to Ferran Torres, who finishes past Emiliano Martinez once more. However, the celebrations are cut short as the Barcelona forward is ruled marginally offside.

20 Jul 2026, 03:15:39 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: GOAL! Spain 1-0 Argentina (Ferran Torres 106')

Ferran Torres finds the breakthrough! Spain finally take the lead in extra time as Torres converts to make it 1-0. The breakthrough arrives just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time. Pedro Porro delivers a deep cross, Nico Williams heads it back across goal, and Ferran Torres arrives late to smash the ball into the roof of the net.

View full Image
Spain's Ferran Torres (7) celebrates
(AP)
20 Jul 2026, 03:09:16 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: 105+2' Messi Looks for the killer ball

Lionel Messi receives possession, turns, and threads a long through ball down the left. Spain’s defence manages to usher it out for a throw-in before quickly regaining control.

20 Jul 2026, 03:07:40 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: 105' Scaloni gets yellow card

Lionel Scaloni is shown a yellow card after loudly appealing for a foul on Giuliano Simeone. His protests earn him a booking from the referee

20 Jul 2026, 03:07:14 AM IST

Spain vs Argentina LIVE score: 105' Scaloni gets yellow card

Lionel Scaloni is shown a yellow card after loudly appealing for a foul on Giuliano Simeone. His protests earn him a booking from the referee.

Get Latest real-time updates

Stay updated with all the latest news and insights on Cricket, Football, and Tennis at Livemint Sports.

HomeSportsFootball NewsSpain vs Argentina Highlights: Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike seals Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title
More
HomeSportsFootball NewsSpain vs Argentina Highlights: Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike seals Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title