Ferran Torres scored an extra-time winner as Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0, ending Lionel Messi’s World Cup career with heartbreak and claiming their second global title.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS
Spain captured their second FIFA World Cup crown on Sunday after Ferran Torres scored a dramatic extra-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey.
Torres struck in the 106th minute, finishing emphatically after fellow substitute Nico Williams cushioned the ball into his path. The goal ended a tense, hard-fought final and crowned a Spanish side that dominated possession and chances throughout the match.
The victory marks Spain’s first World Cup triumph since 2010 and completes a remarkable run under head coach Luis de la Fuente, whose team also lifted the UEFA Euro 2024 title. Spain remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and conceded just one goal in eight matches.
Spain dominates, Argentina struggles
Spain controlled the contest from the opening whistle, repeatedly testing Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who produced several outstanding saves to keep the score level during normal time.
Lamine Yamal registered Spain’s first shot on target early in the match, while Mikel Oyarzabal, Pedro, and Pau Cubarsi all came close before Argentina’s resistance finally broke in extra time.
Argentina, by contrast, failed to register a single shot on target during the entire match, with captain Lionel Messi largely isolated. The 39-year-old touched the ball only sparingly as Spain’s disciplined midfield and defense denied him space to influence the final.
Red card shifts momentum
Argentina’s task became even more difficult late in regulation when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi, forcing the defending champions to finish the match with 10 players.
Spain thought they had taken the lead shortly after extra time began when Nico Williams found the net, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
The breakthrough eventually arrived 10 minutes later as Williams again played a decisive role, setting up Torres, who fired past Martinez to spark jubilant celebrations among Spanish players and supporters.
Torres later had another effort ruled out for offside before Giuliano Simeone missed Argentina’s best opportunity in stoppage time, blazing over the crossbar with the last meaningful chance of the match.
Emotional end for Messi
The defeat brought an emotional conclusion to what is widely expected to be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance. After leading Argentina to the 2022 title, Messi was unable to inspire another memorable triumph as Spain’s organized display kept the football legend quiet throughout the final.
Messi also missed out on the tournament’s Golden Boot, with France’s Kylian Mbappe finishing as the competition’s top scorer.
Tensions flare after the final whistle
Celebrations were briefly overshadowed by heated confrontations following the final whistle. Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina became involved in altercations with Spanish players, prompting intervention from teammates and officials.
Paredes was eventually shown a red card after the post-match incidents.
Spain sweeps individual honors
Spain’s success was reflected in the tournament awards, with Rodri named Player of the Tournament after another commanding midfield performance.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon received the Golden Glove award following an outstanding campaign, while teenage defender Pau Cubarsi was recognized as the tournament’s Best Young Player.
Torres: “Destiny was written”
Speaking after the match, match-winner Ferran Torres dedicated the victory to Spain’s supporters.
“Today destiny was written. Finals are always difficult, especially when Lionel Messi is on the other team, but we always believed in ourselves and our football,” Torres said.
The victory confirms Spain’s return to the summit of international football, combining technical excellence, tactical discipline, and a new generation of stars to claim the sport’s biggest prize.
