It took 20 shots. It took until the second half of extra time.
Spain, so understated in its brilliance, is on top of the world, winning a championship with 1,000 cuts. The last came in East Rutherford on Sunday when Ferran Torres’ left foot gave Spain its deliverance after 106 long minutes.
After an afternoon Spain spent searching for a way past the imperious Emiliano Martínez, that was all it needed for a 1-0 victory and the second World Cup title in its history. This team, with its deliberate nature, seemingly endless possession and short passing, brought to mind the first Spanish champions, back in 2010, that one all tournament long.
So too did this final fittingly resemble 2010’s — right down to Spain’s extra-time winner against an opponent down to 10 men. It would be inaccurate to say Spain won this tournament without any stars given Lamine Yamal’s prominence both on the field and commercially, and given that Rodri is a Ballon d’Or winner in midfield.
So it was as well on Sunday when Spain, just like it has all tournament, slowly wrapped its grip around Argentina until a goal felt inevitable. Before you notice it, they have total control. That control, by the second hydration break on Sunday, had fully asserted itself, even as the match remained scoreless. Spain was bearing down on Argentina as Martínez caught Torres’ header right before the break, and it seemed only a matter of time.
Martínez made sure it would be as much time as possible, with a World Cup-record 10 in the 90 minutes of regulation time, but his team had no answer. Enzo Fernández, who had scored the game-tying goal against England, was sent off after 92 minutes, earning a second yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
That left Argentina — which had played as if it were a man down all afternoon — actually there and clinging on for dear life. With Martínez’s 10th save — on a Yamal free kick that followed a borderline reckless challenge from Leandro Paredes, who was playing on a yellow — Argentina made it that far. Twice in the first seven minutes of extra time, Neco Williams had golden chances to take the lead for Spain.
The second, which ended up in the net, was wiped off due to Mikel Merino’s foul in the buildup. Williams, though, didn’t squander a third opportunity, after Pedro Porro’s cross found him at the back post. Instead of heading it toward Martínez, he sent it backwards, where the left foot of Torres could smash it into an open net. Like Andrés Iniesta in Johannesburg, Torres flew towards the corner flag and was surrounded by teammates.
There were 14 minutes left, plus stoppage time, and that an exhausted, 10-man Argentina side began to produce chances under such circumstances only begged the question of whether this was possible all along. Though his stature ensures he is still the story, Lionel Messi was largely a footnote in what could be his final game with the national team.
With Argentina pinned back for nearly the duration, there were almost no chances for Messi to impact the game, and it is hard to recall any moments in which he did so. Sadly for Argentina, the only contributions its outfield players seemed to make on this afternoon were hard-charging tackles — some of which resulted in bookings, others that were lucky to avoid them.
Though Fernández’s first yellow card, given for dissent in the 83rd minute, seemed a tad harsh, there were a series of other moments in which referee Slavko Vincic gave Argentina a break. Really, Lionel Scaloni — who burned through all five of his subs by the 70th minute — was without answers for this Spain team, just like Didier Deschamps before him.
Rep your favorite player in classic navy with this officially licensed tee made for diehard fans and big match energy. Stay warm while repping the red, white, and blue in this officially licensed USMNT pullover hoodie featuring bold front and back crest graphics. Celebrate the global game in style with this FIFA World Cup 26 tee featuring all three host countries’ logos and flags.
Rip into the excitement of World Cup season with this 2026 Panini sticker box packed with 25 packs of collectible stickers for fans and traders. Bring World Cup vibes to every kickaround with the official adidas FIFA World Cup ’26 Soccer Ball built with host nation style and game-ready feel. Even in the game’s feeling-out stage, which lasted the entirety of the first half, there was nothing in it for Argentina.
It became the first team in World Cup final history to go 90 minutes without a shot, and didn’t seriously threaten the entire game until it was down 1-0 and throwing the kitchen sink in the final minutes. Not only is Spain world champions, but it was the first European champion to beat the South American champion in a World Cup final.
It’s rare that any nation has ever held such an emphatic grip on the title of the world’s best soccer country.
Please follow us on Google to support usSports Argentina Soccer Lionel Messi Spain Soccer World Cup World Cup 2026
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
World Cup Best Bets Today (Predictions for Spain vs. Argentina World Cup Final)The World Cup Final is here. After a long and grueling tournament, Spain will face Argentina on Sunday with the FIFA World Cup Trophy on the line. This match wi
Read more »
Spain vs. Argentina preview: Messi, Lamine Yamal collide for World Cup title 2026The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes down to Spain and Argentina, a final built around legacy, youth, defense, late goals and one more chance for Lionel Messi to lift the trophy.
Read more »
Spain Wins World Cup Final with Extra-Time Goal Against ArgentinaSpain claimed the 2026 World Cup title after Ferran Torres scored a 106th-minute goal to defeat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in the final. The match featured a red card for Argentina's Enzo Fernandez and dominant Spanish possession before the breakthrough.
Read more »
Spain beats Argentina to win 2026 FIFA World Cup behind Ferran Torres' extra-time goalSpain is the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions, as Ferran Torres scored the game-winner in extra time to defeat Lionel Messi and Argentina.
Read more »