Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense final on July 19, ending the South Americans' hopes of retaining the title.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, sealing Spain's second World Cup crown after a closely contested match that remained goalless throughout normal time.
Spain controlled possession for long periods and created the better chances, with teenage winger Lamine Yamal causing constant problems down the right flank.
Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Pau Cubarsí also threatened, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez delivered an outstanding performance to keep his side in the contest.
The opening half was a tactical affair, with both teams defending resolutely and limiting clear-cut opportunities despite Spain's dominance on the ball.
After the break, Spain intensified the pressure, forcing Martínez into a series of crucial saves to deny Torres, Cubarsí and Olmo as Argentina continued to withstand sustained attacks.
The match turned in stoppage time when Argentina captain Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge on Cubarsí, leaving the defending champions to play extra time with 10 men.
Spain thought they had broken the deadlock early in extra time when Nico Williams found the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
The breakthrough finally came in the 106th minute. Williams headed the ball into the path of Torres, who struck first time into the roof of the net, leaving Martínez with no chance.
Argentina were unable to respond despite a disciplined defensive display. The reigning champions struggled to create attacking opportunities and failed to register a shot during the 90 minutes before eventually conceding in extra time.
The victory extended Spain's unbeaten run to 38 international matches, a new European record, and gave Luis de la Fuente's side a sixth win from their last seven major tournament finals.
For Argentina, the defeat ended their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
The final could also mark the end of Lionel Messi's international career, although no official announcement has been made.
Despite finishing on the losing side, Martínez was named the match's outstanding performer after producing a string of saves that kept Argentina in contention until Torres scored the winner.
