Spain Crowned 2026 World Champions: Ferran Torres Breaks the Deadlock, La Roja Claim Their Second World Cup Title Star

For over 100 minutes, the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final played out as a clash between two opposing football philosophies. Spain controlled possession and applied sustained pressure, while Argentina defended with rigid discipline, waiting for a moment of magic from Lionel Messi to turn the match.

Eventually, one single opportunity would decide everything.

Substitute Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for Spain over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Final, held at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on Monday WIB.

This victory confirms La Roja's second world title, adding to their first crown won at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Torres' goal came after Argentina were reduced to 10 men, with Enzo Fernandez sent off for a second yellow card late in normal time. Holding a numerical advantage throughout extra time, Spain finally broke down the stubborn defensive wall that had held them out all match.

From the opening whistle, Spain's side established clear dominance. Lamine Yamal almost put them ahead inside the first five minutes, only for Lisandro Martinez to block his effort before Emiliano Martinez gathered the loose ball.

Argentina responded with link-up play between Lionel Messi and Nico Gonzalez, but the Albiceleste could not convert their best opening. Shortly before half time, Lisandro Martinez was forced off through injury, replaced by Nicolas Otamendi.

Spain's control continued into the second half.

Just one minute after the restart, Alejandro Baena was presented with a golden chance following a misplaced pass from Leandro Paredes, but Emiliano Martinez produced another fine reflex save.

Wave after wave of Spanish pressure followed. Otamendi made a vital last-ditch tackle to deny Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Oyarzabal, before Gonzalo Montiel cleared off the line after Dani Olmo played a dangerous delivery into Marc Cucurella.

Spain's clearest chance of normal time arrived in the 67th minute. Yamal beat two Argentina defenders before delivering a cross to Ferran Torres, whose header landed safely into the arms of Emiliano Martinez.

As the match entered the final 15 minutes, Spain increased their attacking intensity. Both Pedri and Pau Cubarsi forced critical saves from Emiliano Martinez to keep the scores level.

The entire dynamic of the match shifted dramatically in stoppage time.

Enzo Fernandez received his second yellow card in the 90+3rd minute for a heavy challenge on Pau Cubarsi. Argentina would have to play all of extra time with 10 players, handing Spain an advantage they would eventually capitalise on.

The winning goal finally arrived in the 106th minute.

Pedro Porro swung a cross to the far post of the penalty area. Nico Williams kept the ball alive before pulling it back across the face of goal, where Ferran Torres finished with a first-time strike that rifled into the roof of Emiliano Martinez's net to make the score 1-0.

Torres found the net again in the 113th minute after being played through by Lamine Yamal, but this effort was ruled out for offside against the Spanish forward.

Argentina had one final chance in the 120+1st minute. Lionel Messi delivered a corner which was met by Giovanni Simeone, but the striker's header flew over Unai Simon's crossbar.

The final whistle blew moments later, ending Argentina's campaign.

Spain conclude the tournament with their second ever World Cup title. This trophy means La Roja will now wear two stars above their national federation crest on official match kits.

Historically, Spain now joins Uruguay and France as nations that have won the World Cup on two occasions. Brazil remain the most successful nation with five titles, followed by Germany and Italy with four each, while Argentina stay on three world crowns.

All-time FIFA World Cup title winners ranking

5 titles: Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
4 titles: Germany (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014), Italy (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006)
3 titles: Argentina (1978, 1986, 2022)
2 titles: Uruguay (1930, 1950), France (1998, 2018), Spain (2010, 2026)
1 title: England (1966)