2026 World Cup Final: Spain Beats Argentina 1-0 in New York

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres scored the only goal early in the second period of extra time to give Spain their second World Cup title.

The Barcelona forward side-footed home after a header from Nico Williams connected with a cross from Pedro Porro. Spain had held the bulk of possession throughout and created multiple opportunities that forced saves from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, including one from Williams at the start of extra time.

Argentina's Limited Chances

Argentina recorded their first shot of any kind only in the 115th minute. The match followed a pattern in which Spain kept the ball while Argentina looked for openings involving Lionel Messi, who had been key in earlier comeback wins against Egypt and England during the tournament.

Referee Slavko Vincic allowed much of the physical play to continue without intervention. In injury time Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card after fouling Pau Cubarsí, leaving Argentina with ten men.

Messi's Final Appearance and Spain's Record

Messi recorded eight goals and four assists across the tournament and had said beforehand that this would be his last World Cup. Argentina reached the final for the third time in four tournaments after losses to Germany in 2014 and a win over France in 2022.

Spain conceded just one goal in eight matches, that coming against Belgium in the quarterfinal. Coach Luis De La Fuente made several selection choices, including keeping Pedri on the bench at times, that proved effective in the end.

The victory capped a tournament in which Spain maintained composure despite Argentina's attempts to disrupt their rhythm. The result leaves Spain as both European champions and world champions heading into the next cycle of competition.