Spain are world champions for the second time after Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the 2026 World Cup final in the 106th minute, defeating Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on 19 July.
The final itself was settled in extra-time, with Torres – introduced as a substitute – scoring the only goal of the match and picking up the match MVP award for his trouble. The winning goal came from a move down the left flank: Nico Williams headed the ball back into the path of Torres, who finished to seal it. Spain controlled possession throughout but found Argentina difficult to break down across 90 minutes, and the game only opened up after Enzo Fernández received a red card, reducing the defending champions to ten men. Argentina had been further hampered by injuries to both starting central defenders, Cuti Romero and Lisandro Martínez, who were both forced off during the second half, stretching their resources considerably heading into extra time.
At the other end, meanwhile, the defending champions became the first team in World Cup history not to have a shot in 90 minutes of a final. Their first attempt came via Lionel Messi in the 117th minute. Argentina's Emiliano Martinez had to make 11 saves - the most by any goalkeeper on record in a World Cup final. Spain had 65% possession, an expected goals tally of 1.94 and 20 shots - 11 on target.