Spain secured their second men’s FIFA World Cup title after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the 2026 final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute before captain Rodri lifted the trophy in New Jersey.
The final was widely praised as a deserved victory for Spain, who dominated possession, created the better chances and produced a commanding defensive display throughout the tournament. Spain finished with 65% possession, 20 shots, including 11 on target, and an expected goals tally of 1.94, while goalkeeper Unai Simon kept his seventh clean sheet in eight matches to claim the tournament’s Golden Glove award.
Former England captain Alan Shearer described the outcome as fully deserved. “There is no doubt that the right team won,” he said on BBC One. “From start to finish, Spain controlled possession. They were the ones looking to play football, create chances and get in behind. This is a result for football because of the way that they have played. Spain deserve it.”
Spain’s triumph capped an extraordinary run that leaves them as world, Olympic and European champions. They also extended their unbeaten streak to 38 matches, the longest ever by a European men’s national team. Young defender Pau Cubarsi, 19, completed 121 passes in the final and was named the tournament’s Young Player, while teammate Lamine Yamal became the third-youngest player to win a World Cup.
Argentina struggled to impose themselves, completing just 464 passes compared with Spain’s 852. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept his side in the contest with a record 11 saves in a World Cup final, but Argentina failed to register a shot during the 90 minutes, with their first attempt coming through Lionel Messi in the 117th minute.
The closing stages were overshadowed by disciplinary problems. Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Cubarsi, while post-match confrontations involved Leandro Paredes, Rodri, Gavi and Borja Iglesias. Nahuel Molina was also seen throwing a punch during the altercations.
Former England star Wayne Rooney condemned the incidents, saying, “Embarrassing, seeing that sort of stuff after the game has been played. Someone has been crowned World Cup champions. It is not good enough.”
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni acknowledged Spain’s superiority despite questioning how the match might have unfolded had his side not been reduced to 10 men. “They deserved the victory, that is the reality,” he admitted after the final whistle.
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