Spain is champion again. Ferran Torres scored in extra time as Spain beat 10-man Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Therefore, Spain World Cup 2026 success gives the European powerhouse their second title after 2010.

Torres finished a rebound early in the second half of extra time. Pedro Porro sent the ball to the back post. Meanwhile, Nico Williams nodded it down into space. Torres then lashed it into the roof of the net with precision. Consequently, one moment decided a grueling final.

Spain’s advantage grew when Enzo Fernández was sent off late in regulation. The midfielder chased a loose ball and clattered into Pau Cubarsi recklessly. Additionally, Fernández had already been booked earlier. Therefore, the referee showed red, reducing Argentina to 10 men.

Argentina’s task became nearly impossible in extra time. The defending champions produced no shots on target for 115 minutes. Moreover, they lacked attacking ideas throughout the match. Still, Emi Martinez kept them alive. The goalkeeper made a brilliant diving save against Lamine Yamal’s free-kick just before extra time began.

Lisandro Martinez’s early injury crippled Argentina’s defense. The star centre-back was forced off in the 44th minute. Nicolas Otamendi, at 38 years old, replaced him. Furthermore, this weakness grew more apparent as the match wore on.

Luis de la Fuente made history as Spain’s coach. At 65 years old, he became the oldest World Cup-winning manager. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi played his third World Cup final at age 39. Additionally, he became only the second player to appear in three finals. Still, his final match ended in defeat.

Argentina pursued back-to-back titles, seeking to match Brazil’s 1962 achievement. Spain sought their second crown. The tension reflected these contrasting narratives. Finally, Spain World Cup 2026 success ended Argentina’s reign and crowned a new champion.

US President Donald Trump attended the match, marking his first World Cup game of the tournament.