Ferran Torres scores in the 106th minute as La Roja defeat Lionel Messi’s side 1-0 in New York New Jersey final
NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY Julu 19, 2026 — Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time in their history on Sunday, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Substitute Ferran Torres struck the decisive goal in the 106th minute, rifling a first-time shot into the roof of the net after Nico Williams nodded down a deep cross from Pedro Porro at the far post. The goal finally broke the resistance of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who had produced a series of outstanding saves throughout the match.
Spain dominated from the first whistle, creating the majority of chances. Lamine Yamal forced an early save from Martínez after five minutes, while Mikel Oyarzabal and Marc Cucurella also tested the Argentine defence before half-time. Despite controlling possession and territory, La Roja were repeatedly denied by the inspired Martínez, who made important stops from Torres, Pedri, Williams and a late free-kick from Yamal at the end of normal time.
Argentina, who had scored 19 goals en route to the final, did not manage a single attempt until extra time. Their challenge intensified when Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card in the third minute of second-half stoppage time for a challenge on Pau Cubarsí, reducing them to 10 men. Injuries to centre-backs Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero had already forced defensive changes.
The victory mirrors Spain’s 2010 triumph, also secured with an extra-time goal. Luis de la Fuente’s side conceded just one goal in the entire tournament — the lowest total for any World Cup-winning team — while goalkeeper Unai Simón set a new record with seven clean sheets.
At 65 years and 28 days, de la Fuente became the oldest coach to win the World Cup. Teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí both featured in the final and joined the exclusive group of teenage World Cup winners. Lionel Messi, at 39 years and 25 days, became the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final.
Player of the Match Torres said: “I think, in the end, the goal was for 47 million people… I believe that today’s outcome was written in the stars.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente reflected: “I feel especially proud of this generation of footballers… Dibu’s great saves prevented us from winning sooner but it’s a World Cup final and, even with ten players at the end, you have to suffer.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was sporting in defeat: “They were better, that’s the truth… We’re big in victory and we have to be big in defeat. Today we’re showing that we know how to lose.”
Spain’s success also makes them the first nation to hold both the men’s and women’s World Cups at the same time, following the women’s triumph in 2023. La Roja remain undefeated in regular time across their last 38 matches.
The final pitted the champions of Europe against the champions of South America — the top two teams in the FIFA rankings — in a contest that lived up to its billing.
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