Spain are the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after Ferran Torres struck deep into extra time to secure a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in Sunday’s final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

The Barcelona forward scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, finally breaking Argentina’s resistance after the two football heavyweights battled to a goalless draw through 90 minutes.

The victory handed Spain their second World Cup title, 16 years after La Roja won their first crown in South Africa in 2010, and ended Argentina’s hopes of successfully defending the trophy they won in Qatar four years earlier.

Argentina’s task became significantly more difficult early in extra time after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute following a second yellow card.

Spain took advantage of their numerical superiority, increasing the pressure on the South Americans before Torres eventually found the breakthrough in the second period of extra time.

The goal proved enough to settle a closely contested final in which Argentina had frustrated Spain for long periods, keeping the European champions at bay despite spending the closing stages with 10 men.

The strike marked the biggest moment of Torres’ international career, delivering football’s most prestigious trophy to Spain after a tense final that appeared destined for a penalty shootout.

“It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said after the match as he dedicated the winning moment to the Spanish people.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente hailed his players’ collective spirit after guiding the country back to the summit of world football.

“We are the most united team,” De la Fuente said.

The defeat brought a painful end to Argentina’s title defence. Lionel Scaloni’s side had arrived in the final seeking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the men’s World Cup.

Instead, Spain denied La Albiceleste another chapter of history, taking control of the contest and eventually finding a way past an Argentina side that had repeatedly shown resilience throughout the tournament.

Scaloni paid tribute to his players despite the disappointment, saying they had fought until the end.

“We tried up until the very last minute to give our utmost,” the Argentina coach said after the match.

The triumph completes a remarkable period for Spanish football and confirms La Roja’s return to the pinnacle of the international game.

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