1 of 6 | Spain’s Ferran Torres celebrates after scoring a goal against Argentina in extra time for a 1-0 lead in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Spanish defenders were a quiver of cobras, flooding Argentine attacks with venomous intent until Ferran Torres netted an extra-time strike to beat the defending champions 1-0 in Sunday’s 2026 World Cup Final.
The Spaniards outshot the Argentines 20-2 in the instant classic at New York-New Jersey Stadium. More than 80,000 fans, including U.S. President Donald Trump and a cast of celebrities, witnessed the breathtaking soccer showcase in East Rutherford, N.J.
With the win, Spain became the first country in history to win consecutive men’s and women’s World Cups. They also denied Argentina of becoming the third men’s team to defend a title.
The Argentines, who played shorthanded in stoppage time and extra time after Enzo Fernandez drew his second yellow card, managed to fend off rampant Spanish attacks throughout the match until Torres finally broke through in the 106th minute.
The Spaniards held a 65% to 35% advantage in possession, using their 4-2-2-3 positioning to stretch Argentina’s defense. They out-passed their foes 858-456.
Spanish goalie Unai Simon earned a record-extending seventh shutout, the most in World Cup history. He did not face a shot on target and received Golden Glove honors as the best goalie of the tournament.
Midfielder Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Defender Pau Cubarsi was named Best Young Player.
Argentine goalie Emiliano Martinez recorded his first of 11 saves in the fifth minute. Simon picked the ball off of Lionel Messi’s boot about a minute later.
La Roja continued to threaten, with additional attempts from Marc Cucurella and Lamine Yamal, among others. Their pinball-style passing put significant pressure on La Albiceleste, but Martinez produced diving saves behind a strong back line throughout regulation.
Fernandez, who drew his first yellow card in the 82nd minute, received his second in stoppage time, forcing Argentina to play with 10 men in extra time.
Spain appeared to finally break through in the 96th minute when Nico Williams buried a follow up shot, but that goal was disallowed due to a foul call.
Williams went on to play a vital role in the second period of extra time, serving up Torres’ game winner. The Spanish forward ran toward the far post and used the back of his head to glance a deflection from the end line into the box.
The ball bounced softly in front of Torres, who used his left boot to drill a shot into the right side of the net.
Messi and the Argentines finally registered their first shot attempt in the 117th minute. They registered a second minutes later, but could not spoil the Spaniards’ Sunday.
The Spaniards cashed in for $51 million, and overtook the Argentines as the No. 1 team in the FIFA world rankings for their efforts at the record-setting 48-team World Cup.
The Argentines received $34 million for their efforts.
Fans go all out in support at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Fans celebrate the first United States goal as the United States faces Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the FIFA Fan Zone area located on the National Mall in Washington on July 6, 2026. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
