Spain 1-0 Argentina (AET): Ferran Torres Fires Spain to Become 2026 FIFA World Cup Champions After 16-Year Wait

Spain are world champions once again.

An extra-time strike from Ferran Torres secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina on Sunday night, handing La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title and ending a 16-year wait since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.

In front of more than 80,000 spectators at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Spain produced a commanding performance against Lionel Scaloni's Argentina, controlling possession, creating the overwhelming majority of chances and finally finding the breakthrough when Torres struck early in the second period of extra time.

The Barcelona forward calmly finished after Nico Williams header from Pedro Porro's cross fell invitingly into his path, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.

The victory completed another remarkable chapter for Luis de la Fuente's side, who added the World Cup to their UEFA European Championship crown to cement their status as the world's dominant football nation.

For Argentina, however, it was a painful end to their reign as world champions and what is widely expected to be Lionel Messi's final FIFA World Cup appearance.

Spain dominate from start to finish

Spain dictated proceedings almost throughout the contest, suffocating Argentina with their trademark possession-based football while allowing the South Americans little room to create meaningful opportunities.

Argentina struggled to impose themselves against Spain's disciplined midfield and organised defence. Remarkably, Scaloni's side failed to register a shot until deep into extra time, highlighting the extent of Spain's control.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept Argentina alive with a string of outstanding saves, frustrating Nico Williams, Rodri, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal on several occasions as Spain piled on the pressure.

His heroics ensured the match remained goalless after 90 minutes despite Spain's clear superiority.

Red card compounds Argentina's misery

Argentina's task became even more difficult in stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on teenage defender Pau Cubarsi.

Reduced to 10 men, Argentina were forced to spend most of extra time defending as Spain intensified their search for a winner.

The decisive moment eventually arrived when Torres converted from close range after Williams aerial effort created the opening.

Although Martinez produced several more saves to prevent further damage, Argentina could not find a response.

Heartbreak for Messi

The final whistle marked the end of an era for Lionel Messi.

The 39-year-old captain, who inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years earlier, cut a subdued figure throughout the final as Spain successfully denied him the space and influence he had enjoyed during the tournament.

Messi finished the competition with eight goals and four assists, helping Argentina reach a second consecutive World Cup final, but he was unable to produce one final moment of brilliance against Spain's disciplined defence.

As Spanish players celebrated on the pitch, an emotional Messi remained seated on the turf before receiving embraces from several Spain players in a touching show of respect.

Although Argentina surrendered their crown, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner leaves the World Cup stage having further strengthened one of the greatest international careers in football history.

Spain's remarkable campaign

Spain's triumph was built on consistency, defensive excellence and complete tactical control.

La Roja conceded just one goal throughout the tournament, dominated possession in virtually every match and capped their campaign by limiting the defending champions to only two shots across 120 minutes in the final.

Rodri's influence in midfield once again proved decisive, while young stars including Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Pau Cubarsi underlined why Spain's future appears every bit as bright as its present.

Individual awards

Spain also dominated the tournament's individual honours.

Rodri was named the Golden Ball winner as the tournament's best player, while goalkeeper Unai Simon claimed the Golden Glove after another outstanding defensive campaign.

Teenage defender Pau Cubarsi received the Best Young Player award following a breakthrough tournament that confirmed his status among football's brightest emerging talents.

France captain Kylian Mbappe finished as the tournament's Golden Boot winner after edging Messi in the scoring charts.

Spain's victory also makes them the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men's and w