Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the FIFA World Cup 2026
Spain dominated possession and territory for long stretches of normal time, but were unable to find a breakthrough against a resolute Argentina defence marshalled by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Mikel Oyarzabal forced an early save in the 38th minute, while Argentina managed only sporadic chances on the counter, ultimately mustering just two shots across the entire match.
The game remained scoreless through 90 minutes, sending the final to extra time for the first time since 2022.
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Argentina's task grew harder in second-half stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card and sent off, leaving the defending champions to play the remainder of the match a man down.
Spain thought they had taken the lead soon after when Nico Williams turned the ball home, but the goal was ruled out following a foul in the buildup.
The decisive moment finally arrived just 39 seconds into the second period of extra time, when Williams found substitute Ferran Torres, who fired home from close range in the 106th minute to put Spain ahead 1-0.
Emiliano Martinez produced a World Cup final record 11 saves to keep Argentina in the contest for as long as possible, but was eventually replaced by veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi late on after appearing to pick up an injury.
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Despite pushing for an equaliser in the closing stages, Messi and Argentina could not find a way through a Spanish defence that finished the tournament having conceded just twice.
Spain finished the match with an expected-goals tally of 1.94 from 20 shots, compared to Argentina's 0.20 from two attempts, reflecting the gulf in chances created over the 120 minutes.
The win gives Spain their second World Cup crown, following their 2010 triumph, and completes a period of dominance that also included winning Euro 2024. Managed by Luis de la Fuente, the team went through the entire tournament unbeaten, following up their group-stage draw against debutants Cape Verde with a string of increasingly assured performances.
Fans in Madrid erupted in celebration after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the #FIFAWorldCup final. The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes across the Spanish capital. pic.twitter.com/rPzNPqPaf8
— AJE Sport (@AJE_Sport) July 19, 2026
For Argentina and Lionel Messi, the defeat brings an end to a bid to become the first team to win four consecutive major international tournaments after their Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 either side of the 2022 World Cup.
Messi, now 38, has indicated this was his last World Cup appearance, though he could still feature for Argentina at the 2028 Copa America.
