Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (Monday Malaysian time), ending Lionel Messi’s bid for another world title.
The substitute emerged as Spain’s hero in the 106th minute, finishing first time after Nico Williams nodded Pedro Porro’s cross into his path, finally beating Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who had produced a remarkable string of saves to keep his side in the contest.
The victory earned Spain a second World Cup title, 16 years after lifting their maiden trophy in South Africa, while Luis de la Fuente’s side completed a tournament in which they conceded just one goal, setting a new World Cup record.
Watching the final live from a packed public screening in Putrajaya, the atmosphere was electric as football fans stayed up through the early hours of Monday morning. Every Martinez save drew gasps while Torres’ breakthrough sparked loud celebrations, capping off a memorable night for supporters gathered to witness one of football’s biggest occasions.
Spain controlled proceedings almost from the opening whistle but found Martinez in inspired form. The Aston Villa goalkeeper denied Lamine Yamal early before also keeping out efforts from Mikel Oyarzabal, Pau Cubarsi, Pedri and Nico Williams.
Argentina, meanwhile, struggled to create opportunities against Spain’s disciplined defence. Remarkably, the defending champions failed to register a shot until extra time despite having scored 19 goals en route to the final.
Their task became even more difficult late in normal time after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card, forcing Lionel Scaloni’s side to finish with 10 men.
Even then, Martinez continued to frustrate Spain, while both Williams and Torres had goals ruled out before the decisive breakthrough finally arrived in extra time.
Torres’ finish ultimately settled a final worthy of the occasion, as Spain dethroned the reigning champions to reclaim football’s biggest prize.
The triumph also saw De la Fuente become the oldest coach to win the World Cup at 65 years and 28 days, surpassing Vicente del Bosque’s previous record.
Teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi also joined an exclusive list of teenage World Cup final winners, while Messi, aged 39 years and 25 days, became the oldest outfield player ever to appear in a World Cup final and only the second footballer after Cafu to feature in three World Cup finals.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his players after the victory, describing them as “a generation of footballers who are a source of pride for Spain”, while admitting the match could have been settled earlier had it not been for Martinez’s outstanding goalkeeping.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged Spain deserved the win, saying his team gave everything despite the disappointment of surrendering their crown.
Torres, who was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match, dedicated the winning goal to the Spanish people, saying the outcome “was written in the stars” and praising his team’s commitment to their attacking style despite the pressure of facing Messi in a World Cup final.
