Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 extra-time victory over defending champion Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, securing the men's national team's second global title. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute at New York New Jersey Stadium, ending Argentina's attempt to retain the trophy.
The final remained scoreless through 90 minutes despite Spain creating the greater attacking pressure. AP, FIFA and Reuters reported that Torres, introduced during the second half, broke the deadlock 16 minutes into extra time. His decisive finish was also his first goal of the tournament and transformed a tightly contested final into a historic Spanish triumph.
The winning move developed after Pedro Porro sent the ball toward the far side and fellow substitute Nico Williams headed it into Torres's path. Torres struck left-footed from inside the penalty area and drove the ball beneath the crossbar beyond Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Le Monde reported that the goal came from Spain's 20th attempt of the match.
Argentina, seeking a second consecutive championship, finished with ten players after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card during stoppage time, according to the AP and Reuters accounts. The defending champions had resisted Spain for long periods but could not find an equalizer after falling behind, allowing Luis de la Fuente's team to protect its narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The victory gave Spain a second men's World Cup, 16 years after its first title in South Africa in 2010. Spain had reached the final by defeating France in the semifinal, while Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1. The result removed Argentina from the summit and confirmed a new championship for a Spanish generation guided by De la Fuente.
Spain's players were due to return home for public celebrations, with attention shifting from the final in New Jersey to a champions' welcome in Madrid. The trophy provides the clearest measure of the team's tournament campaign, while Torres's intervention from the bench will remain the defining moment of a final decided only after more than 100 minutes of goalless football.
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