Spain reclaimed the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years after Ferran Torres struck in extra time to give the European champions a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium.
Torres came off the bench to score the tournament's biggest goal early in the second period of extra time, sealing Spain's second World Cup title after a gripping contest that remained deadlocked for more than 105 minutes.
Spain dominated possession and dictated the tempo throughout the final but were repeatedly frustrated by Argentina's disciplined defending and another outstanding display from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, whose string of spectacular saves kept Lionel Messi's side alive deep into the match.
Spain's Lamine Yamal (L) and Argentina's Lionel Messi embrace after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final match at New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, U.S., July 19, 2026. (Reuters Photo)
The turning point arrived in second-half stoppage time when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi, reducing the defending champions to 10 men before extra time.
