(New York, July 20) Ferran Torres ended Argentina's dream of back-to-back World Cup titles when he slotted home the only goal of the final in extra time, allowing Spain to win World Cup 2026 with a 1-0 victory that secured the country's second world championship and extended one of the most dominant runs of form any international football team has ever produced.
Match Summary
The opening half was the least eventful on record in a World Cup final, with Argentina failing to register a single shot in 45 minutes of football and Spain managing just three. The game's pace was slow and tactical, with Spain controlling possession but failing to break through a well-organised Argentine defence marshalled by the outstanding Martinez in goal. Lisandro Martinez was withdrawn through injury before the interval. The match came alive in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez received his second yellow card for dissent, leaving Argentina with ten men for the additional half hour. Martinez then produced his tenth save of the night — a new World Cup final record — to keep out Yamal's free kick and take the game to extra time.
Spain had a goal ruled out for a teammate's foul in the 96th minute of extra time. Ten minutes later, the decisive moment arrived: Torres collected a headed layoff from Williams and drove a shot into the net from close range. Argentina worked desperately to equalise, with Messi's low cross in the dying minutes nearly resulting in a Spanish own goal, but the holders survived to win 1-0 and collect the trophy and a record $50 million prize.
Key Statistics and Records
Spain outshot Argentina 20 to 2. The tournament's statistics paint an even more dramatic picture: Spain conceded one goal in seven matches, the lowest ever for a World Cup winner. Their unbeaten run across all competitions reached 38 matches, the longest in European football history. Head coach De la Fuente, 65, became the oldest man to manage a World Cup-winning team. Martinez's ten saves broke the World Cup final single-match record.
Individual Awards
Rodri received the Golden Ball. Mbappe's ten goals earned him the Golden Boot, making him the first player to win the award at successive tournaments. His career World Cup total of 22 goals moved him past Messi's 21 as the all-time record holder. Martinez claimed the Golden Glove.
Ceremony Controversy
The presentation ceremony generated considerable comment. Spain formed a guard of honour for Argentina's players, and Rodri led his teammates in applauding and embracing the runners-up. When Spain stepped up to receive the trophy and individual awards, Argentina's players turned their backs to the podium and stood facing the crowd throughout the ceremony. The squad declined all post-match media requests, with Scaloni alone appearing at the press conference. Olmo commented calmly: "We don't care. But we should set a good example to young people." Messi, as always, was dignified: "They were better than us. We lost. I'm grateful to my players and to our supporters."
Managers' Reactions
De la Fuente praised his squad as a generation that had made Spain proud, noting that Martinez had made his task harder than expected. Scaloni was straightforward: "They played better, that is a fact. Getting here was not easy, and I am grateful to every one of my players."