Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 on Sunday to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup championship. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute of extra time, burying a left-footed shot just under the crossbar after pouncing on a bouncing ball in the box. It is Spain's second World Cup championship and first since 2010.
Spain was absolutely dominant throughout the match in terms of possession and shot attempts. The team took 15 shots in regulation while Argentina managed none. Spain also won nine corners compared to Argentina's single corner kick.
Despite this overwhelming advantage, Lionel Messi and Argentina found a way to hang on and force the match into extra time. Torres broke through in the opening moment of the second 15-minute period of extra time to finally secure the victory for Spain.
Argentina's task became even more difficult when Enzo Fernandez was sent off in second-half stoppage time after receiving his second yellow card. Fernandez was carded for a reckless play that sent Spain defender Pau Cubarsi cartwheeling into the air, forcing Argentina to finish the match with only 10 players. About two minutes after play resumed, another foul gave Lamine Yamal a chance to seal the victory from about 22 yards out on a free kick.
His curling strike toward the right post was saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made a diving stop for his 10th save of the afternoon, the most ever recorded in a World Cup final. Martinez leaped to his feet afterward, punching the air and encouraging the crowd to get loud before the match eventually went to extra time.
With the victory, Spain became the first nation to simultaneously hold the World Cup crowns in both men's and women's soccer. The final was the 104th and last match of the expanded 48-team tournament played across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Because there were more matches than any previous World Cup, the tournament produced 308 total goals, more than any other edition in history. According to FIFA, the 2026 World Cup was officially the most attended ever.