FIFA World Cup 2026 final
Spain won the FIFA World Cup 2026, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time. Ferran Torres scored the winner as Messi’s Argentina fell short. Full match report inside.
Spain are world champions once again.
La Roja defeated Lionel Messi’s Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19. The victory marks Spain’s second World Cup title, following their historic 2010 triumph.
How Spain Won the World Cup 2026 Final
Substitute forward Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time, finishing brilliantly after a header from fellow substitute Nico Williams. The goal ended a tense, one-sided contest in which Spain dominated possession and chances but were repeatedly denied by an outstanding performance from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who set a new World Cup final record with 11 saves.
Argentina, who came into the tournament looking to become the first team since Brazil (1958, 1962) to win back-to-back World Cups, were reduced to 10 men in the second half after midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card. Despite the setback, Argentina held firm through 90 minutes without registering a shot on goal — only for Spain’s persistence to finally pay off in extra time.
Messi’s World Cup Journey Ends in Heartbreak
For Lionel Messi, the final marked what he has indicated will be his last World Cup appearance, closing out a legendary international career without a second title. At 39, Messi becomes only the second player in history — after Brazil’s Cafu — to appear in three World Cup finals (2014, 2022, 2026).
Spain’s Golden Generation Delivers
Managed by Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s title completes a dominant, undefeated run through the 2026 tournament. The win extends Spain’s unbeaten streak in regular time to 38 matches (29 wins, 9 draws) — their longest-ever unbeaten run, surpassing Italy’s European record of 37 matches.
Young stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams played key roles throughout the tournament, with Yamal’s skill on the wing setting up several of Spain’s best chances in the final, including the assist sequence that led to the winning goal.
Celebrations Across Spain
Following the final whistle, an estimated two million people poured onto the streets of Madrid to celebrate the historic win, marking one of the largest football celebrations in the country’s history.
What’s Next
With this win, Spain will now aim to become the first team since Brazil to win back-to-back World Cups, when the tournament returns in 2030. For Argentina, the loss brings an end to a golden era under Messi’s captaincy, with the team now expected to enter a transitional phase.