Spain beat Argentina by a solitary goal to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 title on Sunday, clinching the prestigious trophy for the second time.
Substitute Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal silenced thousands of Argentine fans at New York New Jersey Stadium. Spain were too strong for Argentina, displaying an all-round performance throughout the match.
On the other hand, Argentina managed only two shots in the entire match.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a remarkable series of saves, but eventually he could not stop Torres’ thunderous strike.
Defending champions Argentina were reduced to 10 men in the 93rd minute when the referee showed a second yellow card to Enzo Fernandez.
Torres was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match.
Later, talking to reporters, Spain Coach Luis de la Fuente said: “I feel especially proud of this generation of footballers who have grown with this idea, making it better and giving us an example of a group, of a family. They are players with exceptional talent. For me, it’s been an honour to have accompanied them on this journey. I’m very emotional, looking back. We have spoken a lot with the players.”
Argentina Coach Lionel Scaloni reacted with sorrow, saying: “[I feel] sadness, but knowing that we left everything out there. I have a lot of things to say about how we got here, but it’s not worth it. I want to thank these guys eternally for giving us another World Cup final and for competing until the end. They [Spain] were better, that’s the truth.”
US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the trophy to Spain Captain Rodri at MetLife Stadium.
According to reports, an estimated 1.5–1.8 billion viewers worldwide watched the final.
FIFA also honoured several players with individual awards following the conclusion of the final.
Rodri received the adidas Golden Ball Award for the tournament’s best player, while France superstar Kylian Mbappe collected the adidas Golden Boot Award for scoring an amazing 10 goals.
Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon took home the adidas Golden Glove Award for recording seven clean sheets in eight matches.
The FIFA Best Young Player Award went to Pau Cubarsi, while Lionel Messi won the adidas Silver Ball Award.
