Spain Reclaim World Championship in Dramatic Extra-Time Final

Spain 🇪🇸 were crowned world champions for the second time in their history after defeating defending champions Argentina 🇦🇷 1-0 after extra time in a gripping 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.

Substitute Ferran Torres proved to be the ultimate hero, pouncing just 37 seconds into the second half of extra time to fire La Roja to glory.

Key Match Highlights

• Dominance in Regulation: Luis de la Fuente’s Spanish side dictated possession throughout the 90 minutes. Argentina held firm in defense, backed by a monumental performance from goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who set a World Cup final record with 10 saves.
• Late Red Card: Argentina were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
• The Winning Goal (106′): Early in the second period of extra time, Lamine Yamal worked space on the right flank before Pedro Porro delivered a cross into the box. Nico Williams knocked the ball back across goal, allowing Ferran Torres to smash a left-footed strike under the crossbar.

Tournament Awards & Historic Milestones

• 🏆 Golden Ball (Best Player): Rodri (Spain) — Masterminded Spain’s midfield throughout their undefeated campaign.
• 🧤 Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Unai Simón (Spain) — Conceded only 1 goal across 8 matches and set a World Cup record with 650 consecutive shutout minutes.
• ⭐ Young Player Award: Pau Cubarsí (Spain) — The 19-year-old defender anchored a defense that surrendered just one goal all tournament.
• 👟 Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappé (France).

“This team and this wonderful fanbase deserve everything. We had a date with destiny, and we wanted to make it count.”

— Luis de la Fuente, Spain Manager

With this victory, Spain completed a historic double—adding the World Cup trophy to their UEFA Euro 2024 crown—while extending their record unbeaten streak to 38 matches. Spain also became the first nation in history to hold both the Men’s and Women’s FIFA World Cup titles simultaneously.