Spain crowned world champions again as Torres sinks Argentina in extra time

Spain are world champions for the second time after Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute strike gave them a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the 2026 final in New Jersey. It was a deserved victory in a match Spain controlled from start to finish, adding the World Cup to their 2024 European Championship title.

The final was a repeat of the 2010 pattern: a tight, goalless 90 minutes followed by a decisive goal deep in extra time. Then it was Andrés Iniesta; this time it was Torres, another Barcelona player, finishing Nico Williams’ lay-off to send Spain into celebration. That goal came on Spain’s 20th attempt, while Argentina failed to register a single shot on target across three hours of football.

Luis de la Fuente’s side were outstanding in their discipline and control. They conceded only one goal in eight matches, never trailed in the tournament, and comfortably outplayed both France and Argentina in the knockout phase. In the final, they passed Argentina off the pitch, kept their shape and forced Emiliano Martínez into a string of saves.

Argentina’s task became even harder when Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second yellow card at the end of normal time. They defended resolutely, but their main threat came late when Giuliano Simeone missed a chance that could have forced penalties. For Lionel Messi, the hoped-for fairytale ending to his final World Cup never materialised. He was largely anonymous, touched the ball just 54 times and finished as runner-up in the Golden Boot race behind Kylian Mbappe.

The match ended with ugly scenes. Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were involved in angry confrontations with Spain players after the final whistle, and Paredes was sent off in the aftermath. It was a bitter end for Argentina, who had relied so heavily on Messi throughout the tournament but could not conjure a decisive moment when it mattered most.

For Spain, the victory cements this group as one of their greatest. They have merged defensive solidity with technical superiority and collective understanding, and they have done it in some of the toughest conditions international football can offer. As Torres said, destiny felt written for them. Now they can add their name alongside 2010 as two-time world champions.