Spain Outclass Messi’s Argentina In FIFA World Cup 2026 Final; Torres Hammers Only Goal In Extra-Time

Spain won the FIFA World Cup for the second time after substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in a gripping final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Torres found the breakthrough in the 106th minute, converting Nico Williams’ headed cutback from close range to cap a dominant Spanish display and end Argentina’s reign as world champions.

Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession for virtually the entire contest and repeatedly threatened, but Emiliano Martinez produced a series of outstanding saves to keep Argentina in the game. The Aston Villa goalkeeper denied Lamine Yamal inside the opening five minutes before making further stops from Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo. His best save came in stoppage time at the end of normal time when he tipped away a curling Lamine Yamal free-kick that appeared destined for the top corner, forcing the final into extra time.

Argentina suffered a major setback just before halftime when central defender Lisandro Martinez was forced off injured and replaced by Nicolas Otamendi. Lionel Scaloni’s side then found themselves down to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in stoppage time for a late challenge, leaving the defending champions to negotiate the entire extra-time period with one player short.

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Spain thought they had finally broken the deadlock early in extra time when Nico Williams bundled the ball home, only for VAR to disallow the goal after Mikel Merino was adjudged to have fouled Otamendi in the build-up. The breakthrough eventually arrived just 37 seconds into the second half of extra time. Pedro Porro’s looping delivery was headed back across goal by Williams, allowing Torres to arrive unmarked and fire a left-footed volley beyond Martinez from close range.

Torres nearly doubled Spain’s advantage eight minutes later but had another effort ruled out for offside after racing clear of the Argentine defence.

Argentina, meanwhile, struggled to create opportunities throughout the contest. They failed to register a single shot during the 90 minutes and finished the 120-minute final with just two attempts, neither of which tested Unai Simon. Lionel Messi’s speculative long-range effort in the 117th minute, which struck Merino, was Argentina’s first shot of the night before Pau Cubarsi produced a vital last-ditch clearance from Giuliano Simeone’s low delivery in the closing moments.

Spain finished with 20 shots, including 11 on target, compared to Argentina’s two attempts, underlining La Roja’s dominance as they added a second FIFA World Cup crown to the title they won in South Africa in 2010.

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