Spain Crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup Champions After Extra-Time Victory Over Argentina

Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense final at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on Sunday. The final, attended by 80,663 fans, remained goalless throughout the 90 minutes as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. Argentina's task became even harder in stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, leaving the South Americans to play the extra period with 10 men. Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 10

Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense final at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on Sunday. The final, attended by 80,663 fans, remained goalless throughout the 90 minutes as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. Argentina's task became even harder in stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, leaving the South Americans to play the extra period with 10 men. Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 106th minute, when Ferran Torres converted from close range after a clever assist from substitute Nico Williams, sending the Spanish supporters into celebration. Despite another outstanding performance from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who produced several crucial saves—including denying Lamine Yamal late in normal time—he could not prevent Torres' decisive strike. Spain dominated possession and looked the more ambitious side throughout the match, while Argentina, the reigning world champions, struggled to threaten and failed to register a meaningful effort until the closing stages of extra time. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was named Player of the Match for another influential display, capping off an outstanding tournament. The victory secured Spain's second FIFA World Cup title, adding to their historic triumph in 2010, and made them the first nation in history to simultaneously hold both the men's and women's FIFA World Cup titles. For Argentina, the defeat marked the end of their reign as world champions and could represent Lionel Messi's final FIFA World Cup appearance, bringing an emotional close to one of the greatest international careers in football history.