Spain Became Champions by Defeating Argentina in Extra Time in the World Cup Final

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the 2026 World Cup final, achieving the second world championship in their history. The goal scored by Ferran Torres shortly before the end of the match brought Spain the success of returning to the top again after 16 years.

Spain, who controlled the game and played with high pressure throughout the match, struggled to score during regular time. Even during the period when the opponent was down to ten men after the successful saves by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and Enzo Fernández receiving a red card in the second half, La Roja could not convert their superiority into a goal.

For the reigning champion Argentina, this final meant the farewell from these tournaments for Lionel Messi, who has pursued his career in six different World Cups. Spain, on the other hand, had won their first world championship in 2010 in South Africa.