New Jersey: Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after edging Argentina 1-0 in a tense extra-time final, securing their second men’s World Cup title and denying Lionel Messi a fairytale ending to his international career.
Played before a packed crowd at the New York New Jersey Stadium, the closely contested final remained goalless through regulation time before substitute Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute with the match-winning strike.
Ferran Torres delivers Spain’s historic victory
Spain controlled possession for much of the contest and created the better chances, while Argentina defended resolutely in an attempt to force penalties. Their resistance was eventually broken in extra time when Torres converted from close range to hand Spain a memorable victory.
The triumph marks Spain’s first World Cup title since 2010 and their second overall, capping an impressive campaign in which they emerged as one of the tournament’s most consistent teams.
Emotional end to Messi’s World Cup journey
The defeat is expected to bring the curtain down on Lionel Messi’s remarkable World Cup career. The 39-year-old Argentine captain was visibly emotional after the final whistle and later shared a heartfelt embrace with Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, symbolising the passing of the torch between generations.
Spain also dominated the individual honours, with Rodri being named the tournament’s Best Player and Pau Cubarsí winning the Young Player award, while Kylian Mbappé finished as the Golden Boot winner.
Spain’s victory further cements their place among world football’s elite and marks the beginning of a promising new era led by a talented young squad