In a thrilling and dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win their second World Cup and end Argentina’s hopes of winning back-to-back titles.
Luis de la Fuente’s team put on a strong display, with Ferran Torres coming off the bench to score the game-winning goal in the 106th minute.
After 90 minutes and extra time, the final, which took place at MetLife Stadium in front of 80,663 spectators, was goalless. Argentina struggled to produce clear opportunities after Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second yellow in stoppage time, leaving them with just ten players.
Spain outplayed Argentina by controlling possession (around 65%) and creating a lot more goal opportunities. Torres, who had started the competition in the starting lineup but lost his spot early, finally made a breakthrough in extra time when he finished clinically to thrill the Spanish supporters.
Argentina’s strongest moments came late in the game, although they posed little threat—their first goal came well into extra time. In what was probably his last World Cup participation at the age of 39, Lionel Messi failed to spur a comeback as Spain’s defense, which included players like Rodri, Pau Cubarsí, and others, stood fast.
As one of the pre-tournament favorites, Spain went unbeaten and lived up to the hype. They advanced through the knockout stages by defeating Austria, Portugal, Belgium, and France in the semifinals after winning Group H (with a draw against debutants Cape Verde, followed by victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay). Opponents were overwhelmed by their combination of seasoned performers and young talent (Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Cubarsí).
“I Can No More Ask God For More”—Lionel Messi
The 2022 champions, Argentina, persevered throughout but looked worn out and less agile in the championship match. They overcame difficult knockout matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England and moved from Group J with impressive performances, including early hat-trick heroics from Messi.
This triumph solidifies Spain’s position as European and now global champions and is their second World Cup championship (after 2010).
Argentina lost out on a third championship and the opportunity to become part of a select group of consecutive winners.
The top two FIFA-ranked teams at the time, as well as two current continental champions, competed in the match.
Since 1930, it was the first World Cup final between two countries with a large Spanish-speaking population.
It was a heartbreaking conclusion to a memorable campaign for Messi and Argentina.