By: News Desk 92Pavilion | Updated: July 2026
Quick Answer: Spain wins FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time. Ferran Torres scored the only goal, in the 106th minute. The final was played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This is Spain’s second World Cup title. Their first came in 2010.
A Final Decided in Extra Time
The match stayed goalless through 90 minutes. Both teams pushed hard, but neither could find the net. Spain dominated possession for most of the game. They also had far more shots on goal than Argentina.
Extra time began with no clear winner in sight. Argentina lost a player to a red card early on. Enzo Fernández picked up his second yellow card late in the second half. That left Argentina down to ten men for the rest of extra time.
How Ferran Torres Scored the Winner
Torres came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute. He had not scored in the tournament before this match. In the opening minute of the second extra-time period, he got his chance. A bouncing ball fell into the box.
Torres used his left foot to strike it. The ball flew just under the crossbar. Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, had no chance to stop it. It was the winning goal of the match.
Speaking after the game, Torres called it special. “It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” he said, referring to Spain’s population.
Martínez Breaks a Record, But Falls Short
Argentina’s goalkeeper had a stellar game despite the loss. Martínez made 12 saves in total. That is the most saves ever recorded in a World Cup final. His performance kept Argentina in the match far longer than expected.
Still, one save eluded him. Torres’ strike beat him in the dying moments of extra time. It proved to be the difference between the two sides.
What This Means for Spain
This win gives Spain their second World Cup title. Their first came back in 2010. Spain also holds the 2024 European Championship title. That makes them the reigning champions of both major tournaments.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente has now guided Spain to back-to-back major titles. He is currently unbeaten in 14 matches as manager, with just one draw. This win adds another chapter to Spain’s golden generation of players.
The End of an Era for Argentina and Messi
For Argentina, the result likely marks the end of a remarkable run. Lionel Messi had indicated this could be his final World Cup. He already won the title in 2022. He also has two Copa América wins, in 2021 and 2024.
Argentina had hoped to become the first team to win four straight major tournaments. That dream ended in New Jersey. Despite the loss, Messi’s legacy across the sport remains untouched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Spain wins FIFA World Cup 2026, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
Who scored the winning goal?
Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, coming off the bench as a substitute.
Where was the final played?
The match was held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.
Is this Spain’s first World Cup win?
No. This is Spain’s second title. Their first came in 2010.
Was this Messi’s last World Cup?
Messi had suggested before the tournament that this could be his final World Cup appearance for Argentina.
This report is based on coverage from CBS News, Fox Sports, CNBC, and NBC News.
