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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spain are the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions! Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike proves decisive as La Roja claim their second World Cup title.
Argentina are awarded a free-kick in midfield and look to launch a long ball forward, but Unai Simon gathers it safely.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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