La Roja defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner to end Argentina’s reign.
The European champions controlled possession for long stretches and created the better chances, but they were kept out by a heroic Emiliano Martínez. The Argentina goalkeeper produced a string of outstanding saves to keep the game goalless through 90 minutes.
The match turned in stoppage time. Enzo Fernández picked up a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí and was sent off, leaving Argentina to play extra time with 10 men.
Spain made the advantage count in the 106th minute. Nico Williams nodded the ball down and Torres reacted first, firing a powerful close-range shot past Martínez.
Spain had threatened earlier. Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal both went close in regulation, and Williams had a goal ruled out in extra time after substitute Mikel Merino was judged to have fouled Nicolás Otamendi in the build-up.
Despite Martínez’s performance and their reputation for comebacks — they had rallied from behind against Egypt and England in earlier knockout rounds — Argentina could not find a way back with a man down.
The final also made history off the pitch. It featured the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show, with Madonna and Justin Bieber performing during a 27-minute break. United States President Donald Trump was in attendance.
The win gives Spain their second World Cup title and brings down the curtain on Argentina’s four years as world champions.
