Spain Clinch Second FIFA World Cup Title After Beating Argentina
Sports Updated: 20 July 2026 01:33 EAT
Photo courtesy: Moments when Spain Scored the winner in Extra Time to claim the FIFA World Cup 2026
Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second World Cup title, adding to the trophy they won in South Africa in 2010. The victory also marked the country's first World Cup triumph in 16 years and capped an outstanding campaign under head coach Luis de la Fuente.
Spain dominated large spells of the final, controlling possession and limiting Argentina to very few clear scoring opportunities. The European champions completed the tournament with a remarkable defensive record, conceding just one goal throughout the competition. Their run to the title included victories over Austria in the Round of 32, Portugal in the Round of 16, Belgium in the quarter-finals, France in the semi-finals and Argentina in the final. The triumph also extended Spain's unbeaten international run to 38 matches and made them the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men's and women's FIFA World Cup titles following the women's success in 2023.
For Argentina, the defeat ended their hopes of retaining the World Cup they won in Qatar in 2022. Lionel Messi captained the Albiceleste in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance, having guided his country to the final after victories over Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England. Argentina remain one of the most successful nations in World Cup history with three titles won in 1978, 1986 and 2022, while Spain now have two championships from two final appearances, maintaining a perfect record in World Cup finals.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the first edition to feature 48 teams and was jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Spain's victory added another major honour to a golden era for the national team, having also lifted the UEFA European Championship in 2024. Luis de la Fuente became the oldest coach to win the FIFA World Cup at the age of 65, while Spain's disciplined defence and consistent attacking displays established them as the outstanding team of the tournament.
Historically, Argentina have reached seven World Cup finals, winning three and finishing as runners-up four times. Spain, by contrast, have now reached two finals and won both, underlining their efficiency on football's biggest stage. The final brought together the reigning UEFA European champions and the reigning Copa América and former world champions, producing a closely contested encounter that was ultimately settled by a single extra-time goal as Spain reclaimed the title of world champions.
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FELIX MAKONA
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