Spain Wins FIFA World Cup 2026: Full Match Result, Score & Highlights vs Argentina
Spain are the champions of the world! La Roja defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Final at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on Sunday, July 19, 2026, to lift the trophy for the second time in their history.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 105th minute — just 39 seconds into the second half of extra time — breaking Argentine hearts and ending Lionel Messi’s dream of back-to-back World Cup titles.
Final Result at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Result | Spain 1-0 Argentina (After Extra Time) |
| Goal | Ferran Torres (105′) |
| Red Card | Enzo Fernández (Argentina, 90′ – second yellow) |
| Venue | New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, USA |
| Attendance | Over 70,000 fans |
| Referee | Slavko Vinčić |
How the Final Was Won
Spain dominated the match from the first whistle, controlling possession and creating chance after chance — but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a heroic performance, making a string of brilliant saves to keep the score level through 90 minutes.
The turning point came in second-half stoppage time when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second bookable offence after a foul on Pau Cubarsí, reducing the defending champions to 10 men heading into extra time.
Spain thought they had scored when Nico Williams fired into the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. La Roja kept pushing, and moments after the restart in the second period of extra time, Lamine Yamal‘s brilliance down the right led to the moment that decided the final — Ferran Torres rifled home from close range to send the Spanish fans into delirium.
The dominance was clear in the numbers: Spain finished with 20 shots to Argentina’s 2, completely suffocating Messi and the Albiceleste attack.
Heartbreak for Messi
This was almost certainly Lionel Messi’s final World Cup match. The 39-year-old legend, who became the first player ever to start three World Cup finals, finished the tournament with 8 goals but was left in tears as he collected his runner-up medal. “I feel sad. They were better, to be honest,” an emotional Messi admitted after the match.
Argentina were denied the chance to become only the third nation in history to defend the World Cup title. Tempers flared after the final whistle, with coach Lionel Scaloni stepping in to calm his players.
Spain’s Golden Era Continues
This victory is Spain’s second World Cup title, 16 years after their first triumph in 2010. Captain Rodri lifted the famous golden trophy as Spain became world champions just two years after winning Euro 2024 — confirming their status as the dominant force in world football. Remarkably, Spain conceded just one goal in the entire tournament.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente masterminded a campaign that started with a shock goalless draw against Cape Verde but ended in ultimate glory.
Historic Night in New Jersey
The final was a spectacle beyond the football. It featured the first-ever World Cup half-time show, with performances from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and BTS, while Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem. US President Donald Trump presented the trophy to the victorious Spanish squad.
Prize Money
Spain take home a record $50 million for winning the tournament, while runners-up Argentina collect $33 million from FIFA’s historic $655 million prize pool. Read our full World Cup 2026 prize money breakdown here.
FAQs
Who won the FIFA World Cup 2026? Spain won the FIFA World Cup 2026, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final on July 19, 2026.
Who scored the winning goal in the World Cup 2026 final? Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the final in the 105th minute (extra time).
What was the final score of the World Cup 2026 final? Spain 1-0 Argentina (after extra time). The match was 0-0 at the end of normal time.
Was anyone sent off in the final? Yes, Argentina’s Enzo Fernández received a red card in the 90th minute for a second yellow-card offence.
How many World Cups has Spain won? Spain have now won two World Cups — 2010 and 2026.
Was this Lionel Messi’s last World Cup? The 39-year-old has not officially confirmed his future, but this is widely expected to have been his final World Cup appearance.
