Match Report: Spain 1-0 Argentina (AET)

Ferran Torres scored a dramatic extra-time winner as Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 on Sunday to win the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

The Barcelona forward struck a powerful finish in the 106th minute after Spain dominated the match against an Argentina side that failed to record a single shot on target throughout 120 minutes.

A crowd of 80,663, including US President Donald Trump, filled the New York New Jersey Stadium, with many hoping to see Argentina captain Messi lift a second World Cup trophy.

Instead, the 39-year-old, who was almost certainly playing his final World Cup match, had little influence as Spain controlled the game from the opening stages against an Argentina side that repeatedly committed cynical fouls.

Many experts expected Argentina to rely on physical play to disrupt Spain’s superior passing game, and that approach was evident early when Alexis Mac Allister made a studs-up challenge on Dani Olmo’s ankle. He avoided a yellow card as Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic awarded only a free-kick.

Spain responded moments later when Alex Baena caught Messi with an elbow to the back, but the referee again chose not to punish the incident.

Argentina continued making rough challenges, and Nicolas Tagliafico was fortunate not to receive a booking after catching Lamine Yamal on the calf. The referee eventually showed his first yellow card when Lisandro Martinez brought down Mikel Oyarzabal with a deliberate foul.

In fact, Argentina’s poor discipline throughout the match would lead to Enzo Fernández receiving a second yellow card at the end of the second half for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí.

The final also featured a controversial half-time break that stretched to 27 minutes and 22 seconds, the longest in World Cup history, featuring performances from Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber.

Spain continued to dominate after the break while Argentina defended desperately. Luis de la Fuente introduced Pedri and Ferran Torres in place of Fabian Ruiz and Oyarzabal, adding fresh energy to Spain’s attack. The Spanish manager’s substitutions had been inspired throughout the tournament and he proved he has the magic touch once again in the final.

Pedri and Cubarsi both tested Emiliano Martínez with long-range efforts, but the Argentine goalkeeper managed to keep his team in the match.

The introduction of Nico Williams and Mikel Merino gave Spain even more attacking threat as the pressure continued to build.

Despite Spain’s dominance, Argentina looked set to force the match into a penalty shootout as Spain struggled to find the winning goal.

However, after Nico Williams had a goal perhaps unfairly ruled out in extra-time, Spain finally broke through. Pedro Porro floated a cross to the far post, where Williams headed the ball back to the edge of the six-yard box for fellow substitute Ferran Torres to fire home the decisive winner.

Argentina almost found the equaliser in the closing moments, but Spain defended well to secure World Cup victory.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and his teammates were left in tears after collecting their runners-up medals during the trophy ceremony led by US president Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. They handed the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodri, whose commanding midfield performance helped guide La Roja to victory.

The World Cup trophy was brought onto the pitch before kick-off by two former champions, Spain legend Andrés Iniesta and Argentina great Mario Kempes. Spain’s triumph marked their second World Cup title, 16 years after Iniesta’s famous extra-time winner against the Netherlands secured their first crown in South Africa.

Spain also dominated the individual awards. Captain Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, while goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove. Young defender Pau Cubarsi was named the Young Player of the Tournament. France’s Kylian Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot after scoring twice in the third-place play-off, making him the first player to finish as the World Cup’s top scorer at two consecutive tournaments.

Spain are now the reigning World and European champions! ¡Vamos, España!