Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match in the 106th minute. Spain finished the tournament as champions for the second time.
Spain controlled the game with 65 percent possession. The team took 20 shots and put 12 on target. Argentina managed only two shots total and recorded zero shots on target during the first 90 minutes. Spain also held an expected goals advantage of 1.94 to 0.20. Spain earned nine corner kicks while Argentina earned four. Spain committed 21 fouls and Argentina committed 25.
The goal came after a sequence in extra time. Pedro Porro sent a cross from the left. Nico Williams headed the ball back into the penalty area. Torres, who entered as a substitute in the 62nd minute, struck the ball into the net from close range.
Argentina played with 10 men for most of extra time. Enzo Fernandez received a red card in the 93rd minute after a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsi. The sending off came after Fernandez had already been booked earlier.
Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon recorded a clean sheet. Simon made multiple saves during the match, including stops on limited Argentina chances. Rodri of Spain received the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. Pau Cubarsi of Spain received the award for best young player. Simon received the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper.
Lionel Messi started for Argentina and finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists overall. In the final, Messi had limited touches and one shot that was blocked. Argentina reached the final as defending champions but created few opportunities against Spain's organized defense.
Spain's approach relied on sustained passing and ball control throughout the 120 minutes. Argentina focused on defensive organization and attempted counters but struggled to advance the ball effectively. The first 90 minutes produced few clear chances for either side.
Torres ended the final with the winning goal. Williams contributed directly to the goal with his header. Porro provided the initial cross that started the move. Cubarsi was involved in the play that led to Fernandez's red card.
Spain claimed the title after a strong run through the knockout stages. Argentina ended the tournament in second place. The match marked the first World Cup final hosted in the United States for this edition.
Unai Simon kept his side ahead after the late goal. Spain's substitutes, including Torres and Williams, changed the flow in extra time. Argentina made changes in an effort to create more attack but could not find an equalizer before the final whistle.