Spain are the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentina in a gripping final that was decided after 120 minutes of intense football.
After a goalless 90 minutes, the two football powerhouses continued to battle through extra time, with Spain maintaining control of possession while Argentina relied on the heroics of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to keep the contest alive.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 106th minute, moments into the second half of extra time. Nico Williams showed outstanding awareness by cleverly flicking the ball into the path of Ferran Torres, who met it first time with a thunderous finish beyond Martínez to send the Spanish supporters into wild celebrations and give La Roja a priceless 1-0 advantage.
Torres thought he had wrapped up the final six minutes later. In the 112th minute, the forward raced onto a perfectly weighted through pass before calmly slotting the ball beyond Martínez for what appeared to be Spain’s second goal. However, celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee’s flag went up for offside, leaving Argentina with a glimmer of hope.
Despite the disallowed goal, Spain remained composed during the closing stages, denying Argentina any clear opportunity to force a dramatic equaliser. The statistics reflected Spain’s dominance throughout the contest, as they controlled 66 percent of possession, registered 20 shots—including 12 on target—and forced Martínez into an outstanding 11 saves to keep Argentina in the match.
Argentina struggled to create meaningful chances, managing only two shots throughout the final as Spain’s disciplined defence comfortably protected their slender lead.
When the final whistle sounded, Spain’s players erupted in celebration after completing a memorable World Cup campaign. Ferran Torres’ moment of brilliance proved to be the difference on the biggest stage, as La Roja reclaimed football’s greatest prize by defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy.
