New Delhi: Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a gripping final, ending Lionel Messi’s dream of retaining the title and confirming the arrival of a new era in world football.
Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the match winner, scoring in the 106th minute with a powerful finish beyond Emiliano Martinez to secure Spain’s second men’s World Cup title and their first since 2010. The victory also completed an unbeaten tournament for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who conceded just one goal in eight matches.
Spain dominated the final from start to finish, controlling possession and creating the majority of the chances. Argentina struggled to threaten the Spanish defence, managing only one shot on target throughout the contest before being reduced to ten men in extra time after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card.
The triumph adds the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 success, making them the holders of both major international titles and reinforcing the emergence of a new golden generation. Midfielder Rodri was instrumental throughout the tournament, while goalkeeper Unai Simon produced a series of outstanding performances to claim the Golden Glove. Mikel Oyarzabal finished among the tournament’s leading scorers with five goals, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal celebrated the biggest achievement of his young career.
Following the victory, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his players, calling them an exceptional group that had won everything together. Ferran Torres dedicated his winning goal to the people of Spain, describing it as “a goal scored by 47 million people.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also congratulated the national team, thanking the players for bringing the World Cup back to Spain after 16 years.
For Argentina, the defeat marked the end of a remarkable chapter led by Lionel Messi, who added another World Cup final appearance to an extraordinary international career that includes the 2022 World Cup and multiple Copa América titles. While disappointed with the result, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that Spain were the better side on the night and deserved to lift football’s biggest prize.
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