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Spain vs Argentina FIFA 2026 Final Highlights: Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a thrilling final that went into extra time. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute to help La Roja lift their second FIFA World Cup trophy and their first since 2010.
Played at New Jersey Stadium in New York, the final was a tactical battle between two football giants. Spain dominated possession and created most of the chances, while Argentina relied heavily on goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to keep them in the contest. However, Torres' extra-time strike eventually separated the two sides and ended Argentina’s hopes of defending their world title.
Match Details: SPA vs ARG FIFA 2026 Final
- Match: Spain vs Argentina
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
- Venue: New Jersey Stadium, New York
- Result: Spain 1-0 Argentina (After Extra Time)
- Goal Scorer: Ferran Torres (106')
- Player of the Match: Ferran Torres
First Half: Spain Control the Game but Fail to Score
Spain started the final with confidence and quickly took control of possession. Their attacking players constantly tested Argentina’s defense, creating several dangerous opportunities in the opening stages.
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First-Half Highlights
- Lamine Yamal forced an early save from Emiliano Martinez in the 5th minute.
- Mikel Oyarzabal came close with a powerful effort from inside the box.
- Pedri and Nico Williams created multiple attacking moves down the wings.
- Argentina struggled to create clear-cut chances in attack.
- Emiliano Martinez made several crucial saves to keep the score level.
Despite Spain's dominance, the first half ended goalless as Argentina's defense and goalkeeper stood firm under pressure.
Second Half: Argentina Hold On as Spain Continue to Attack
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Spain controlling possession and pushing for the breakthrough while Argentina looked for opportunities on the counterattack.
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Second-Half Highlights
- Spain continued to dominate possession and territory.
- Pau Cubarsi and Marc Cucurella both tested Argentina’s defense.
- Lamine Yamal nearly scored from a dangerous free-kick.
- Argentina failed to register a meaningful shot on target.
- Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero were both forced off with injuries.
As neither team could find a goal in normal time, the World Cup final headed into extra time.
Ferran Torres Scores the Goal That Wins the World Cup
The breakthrough finally arrived in the second period of extra time.
In the 106th minute, Pedro Porro delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Nico Williams met the ball with a header and directed it toward Ferran Torres, who reacted instantly and fired home from close range.
The finish gave Spain a 1-0 lead and sent their fans into celebration.
Argentina tried to respond but struggled to break through Spain’s disciplined defense. Their task became even harder when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in stoppage time, leaving Argentina with 10 men.
Spain successfully protected their lead until the final whistle to secure a historic victory.
Emiliano Martinez Keeps Argentina Alive
Although Argentina ended up on the losing side, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced one of the standout performances of the tournament.
Martinez's Key Contributions
- Made 12 important saves throughout the match.
- Denied Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal on multiple occasions.
- Prevented Spain from taking an earlier lead.
- Kept Argentina competitive despite Spain’s constant pressure.
His heroics delayed Spain’s breakthrough, but even Martinez could not stop Torres' winning goal.
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Argentina's World Cup Dream Ends
Argentina entered the final hoping to defend the title they won four years earlier. However, Spain's midfield control and defensive discipline limited Lionel Messi and his teammates throughout the match.
The defending champions struggled to create attacking opportunities and were unable to register a significant threat in front of goal. Injuries to key defenders and Enzo Fernandez’s late red card further complicated their efforts.
Despite the defeat, Argentina finished the tournament as runners-up after another impressive World Cup campaign.
Records and Milestones from the Final
- Spain won their second FIFA World Cup title, adding to their 2010 triumph.
- Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi became among the youngest players to feature in and win a World Cup final.
- Lionel Messi, at 39 years and 25 days old, became the oldest outfield player to appear in a FIFA World Cup final.
- Messi became only the second player after Cafu to play in three FIFA World Cup finals.
- Ferran Torres scored the winning goal that secured Spain's first World Cup title in 16 years.
Spain vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Highlights
- Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time.
- Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.
- Spain won their second FIFA World Cup title.
- Emiliano Martinez made 12 saves for Argentina.
- Argentina finished the match with 10 players after Enzo Fernandez's red card.
- Lionel Messi played in his third World Cup final.
- Spain successfully ended Argentina's title defense and lifted the trophy in New York.
