KUALA LUMPUR - Spain needed an extra-time goal to defeat Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final despite dominating the game from start to finish at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the United States on Sunday.
After the teams were tied 0-0 in regulation time, an extra-time strike from Ferran Torres sealed victory for La Roja, securing the nation’s second FIFA World Cup title and ending a 16-year wait since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.
The final began at a frantic pace, with both sides going on the offensive right from the opening whistle.
Spain had more of the possession and created the better chances, having three shots on target in the first half, but were unable to find a way past Argentina’s resolute backline.
Argentina, nicknamed La Albiceleste, sat deep, waiting to exploit any opportunities to launch counter-attacks.
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WORLD CUP-SPAIN (FINAL) 2 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR
It was no surprise then that the teams trooped off at halftime with the score remaining 0-0.
Spain continued to control proceedings after the break, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a string of outstanding saves to frustrate Luis de la Fuente’s side and keep the reigning champions in the game
Argentina’s task became even more difficult late in the second half when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.
Spain came agonisingly close to snatching victory in stoppage time, only for Martínez to produce another superb save to deny Lamine Yamal’s curling free-kick and send the final into extra time.
The decisive moment finally arrived in the 106th minute when Yamal’s cross into the penalty area found Nico Williams, who cleverly teed up Torres, who unleashed a powerful finish beyond Martínez to break the deadlock.
Although Argentina, with Lionel Messi kept quiet throughout the match, threatened to produce one of the famous late fightbacks, Spain held on to claim a hard-fought win to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy for the second time in their history. - July 20, 2026
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