Spain defeat Argentina, win 2026 FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi's side falls to Ferran Torres extra time goal

This is the second World Cup win for Spain after the first one in 2010

Spain are the FIFA 2026 World Cup champions, winning 1-0 against Lionel Messi's Argentina after extra time. in the final played at the MetLife stadium. The winning goal came in the second half of extra time, when Ferran Torres finished brilliantly from a superb assist by Nico Williams. Both players had come off the bench earlier in the final, combining to deliver the moment that secured Spain's 2026 World Cup triumph. Managed by Luis de la Fuente, La Roja captured their second World Cup title, adding to their historic triumph in 2010. The victory completed a remarkable double, following their UEFA Euro 2024 success just two years earlier. 

The goal came against a 10-man Argentina size who saw Enzo Fernandez sent off in the closing minutes of regulation. Spain dominated the game, both before and after the red card but couldn't find the breakthrough until the 106th minute, right after the start of the second half of extra time. Argentina meanwhile didn't record their first shot of any type until the 117th minute if the match as they were desperately trying to find an equalizer. Ultimately they could not.

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[Jul 19, 2026 at 6:40 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

This is heartbreaking: 

[Jul 19, 2026 at 6:30 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, entered the pitch alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the leaders of the tournament's two co-host nations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Together, they take part in the post-match trophy ceremony, presenting the players with their medals before handing the FIFA World Cup trophy to the Spanish captain.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 6:26 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

The trophy celebrations will take place shortly... 

[Jul 19, 2026 at 6:08 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The defensive dominance of Spain got the job done not allowing a single shot on target during the entire tournament, and what a run this has been after winningthe Euros. This team will be back.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 5:58 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

It could be a case of too little too late, but in these past few minutes, Argentina have created chances just not enough to score a goal. There will be five minutes of extra time to go.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 5:53 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

While Argentina are down a man, we're now in the 116th minute of play, and Argentina still hasn't taken a shot in the game.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 5:44 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

After a header back from Nico Williams, Ferran Torres beat Martienz and the entire Spain team ran to the corner to celebrate. What a time for his first goal of the tournament. Could this be it?

[Jul 19, 2026 at 5:38 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The Blue and White corner of the stadium can be heard loud and clear as the first period of extra time winds down.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 5:31 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Spain almost scored, but it was disallowed due to a foul, and now Ridri is off for Marin Zubimendi after putting in a shift during the game. Argentina still hasn't taken a shot as Martinez is racking up save after save.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 5:19 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Argentina are in their Bane era, needing something to go against them to turn it on, but Emiliano Martinez has kept things going for them with 10 saves so far in this game. The record is 16, and with 30 minutes to go, down a man, that could be in danger. Those 10 saves are already a record in a World Cup final.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 5:10 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Now this has been coming as the Argentina midfielder goes in on Pau Cubarsi. Reckless and deserved. Fernandez did the finger wag as if he didn't deserve to be sent off but he was playing the wrong kind of football at MetLife Stadium this Sunday. 

Six players total have been sent off in a World Cup final, three of them have been from Argentina. 

[Jul 19, 2026 at 5:08 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

We could be getting ready for free soccer at this stage. This does favor Argentina in my opinion, but Spain have been creating chances they just can't get them past Martinez.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 4:54 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

80,663 are on hand to see Argentina take 0 shots so far. Give the people something to cheer for! For the entire tournament, this brings us to 6,810,966 in total attendance.  99.7% of the total capacity for all stadiums.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 4:51 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Mikel Merino is getting ready for Spain. He has scored two match winning goals for Spain off the bench during this tournament, and could he be in line for another?

[Jul 19, 2026 at 4:45 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Hopefully they aren't here to stay, but we're in the 67th minute, and Argentina still haven't taken a shot, they can't keep getting away with this right????

[Jul 19, 2026 at 4:41 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

It's a ball that Emiliano Martinez usually catches, but he's been dealing with a hand injury all tournament which showed there.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 4:33 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

This time it's Paredes who just came on at half, and Spain are getting into their flow of the game. Lisandro Martinez going out with an injury could be a major moment as things are opening up.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 4:23 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Only about 27 minutes for halftime, and we're back with Argentina putting a shot on target. 45 minutes (or more if needed) to crown a winner.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 3:57 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

That was a half of soccer, Spain won't feel the need to change too much, but for the halftime show, I'm going to hand it over to Sandra, so follow along here.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 3:51 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Goes to Lisandro Martinez, which is deserved. Argentina have succeeded at mucking up the first half, but yellows have to begin at some point.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 3:41 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

This is playing right into Spain's hands as Julian Alvarez might as well be playing as a deep lying midfielder instead of leading the line. Messi, Alvarez, and Nico Gonzalez have struggled to get on the ball, and that can't continue if they'd like to win this game. Spain hasn't produced much, but Mikel Merino is lurking on the bench to hurt you.

Trumedia

[Jul 19, 2026 at 3:33 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Spain will have to try to avoid Argentina's fouls as the half continues, but despite their possession early, Yamal's fifth-minute shot is still the only action on the stat sheet.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 3:21 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

It should come as no surprise that Spain has  60% posession early on in the match. Argentina will want to play on the counter, but if Martinez gets too much pressure put on him, it will lead to an early goal.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 3:13 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

5' Argentina looked dangerous on the counterattack, but their transition was cut out by Unai Simon, who raced well outside his box to clear the danger. It's something we're likely to see a lot today, with the Spanish goalkeeper playing high off his line... 

[Jul 19, 2026 at 3:12 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

4' Spain made a bright start and created a big chance almost immediately. Lamine Yamal was played through by Dani Olmo, but his effort was well saved by Martinez. Moments later, Yamal threatened again, driving into the box before his dangerous cutback was intercepted by the Albiceleste defense.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 3:11 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

It's Yamal as Spain are off and running early. Martinez makes a strong save, but it's already a faster start than usual to things.

[Jul 19, 2026 at 3:07 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

1' We're underway! The 2026 World Cup final has started! 

[Jul 19, 2026 at 3:03 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

The teams are out on the pitch, the anthems are over, and kickoff is just around the corner. However, the game will start few minutes late. Will it be the second ever World Cup win for Spain or a back to back win for Lionel Messi's Argentina?