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For the second time in the history of the FIFA World Cup, Spain can become champions.
It was Ferran Torres, who entered the game in the second half, who finally managed to beat Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in overtime for a 1-0 victory at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday night.
This was Spain’s second trip to the World Cup final, but just like they did in 2010, they got the job done.
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Spanish forward Ferran Torres celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the final match of the 2026 World Cup soccer tournament between Spain and Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, if this was Lionel Messi’s last game for Argentina, it ended in heartbreak.
As expected, both teams were trying to take control of the match, which meant that possession was key and the chances of scoring were going to be few.
In the first half, Spain did what it has done throughout the tournament, controlling the pace of play and being quick in making decisions near the rival area.
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Lamine Yamal and company had some opportunities from the beginning, but none managed to cross Emiliano Martínez’s goal line.
At the other end, Unai Simón faced even less pressure from the Argentine attack, as Spain’s strong defense continued against Lionel Messi and his compatriots.
At the end of the first half, neither team overtook the score, as each country immediately talked about what it would take to change that. They would have more time to do so, as Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and many other musical guests performed at halftime on the New York/New Jersey Stadium field.
As the second half began, Spain seemed to have some answers, creating some great chances, including a clear shot over Martínez. However, the goalkeeper was able to save the ball.
Then, in the 55th minute, a nice pass to Dani Olmo inside the area led to a return pass to Marc Cucurella. But Gonzalo Montiel beat Cucurella to the point, flicking the ball out of bounds for a corner kick, preventing a prime opportunity to hit the net.
Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) scores his first goal during the World Cup soccer final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
However, Spain continued to apply pressure, including multiple corner kicks and shots to challenge Martínez. Ferran Torres, who had just entered, finished off a great header after a Yamal cross in the 66th minute, but Martínez was there again.
It seemed like every ounce of momentum was going in Spain’s favor, with Argentina still looking for their first shot attempt, let alone a shot on goal. Spain took 10 shots, seven of which found Martínez’s goal in the 82nd minute.
However, Martínez remained a brick wall, especially when Nico Williams came flying in during stoppage time and fired a shot that was deflected. Yamal couldn’t believe that Williams didn’t pass the ball to him, as he didn’t have an Argentine defender on him at the far post.
However, just a few seconds later, a key moment came in this final match when Enzo Fernández’s poor tackle led to his second yellow card, which led to a red card in the 93rd minute. From that moment on, Argentina had to downplay one man.
Just before regulation time ended, a foul on Torres outside the Argentina box gave the 19-year-old Yamal a chance to win the World Cup. He took a big hit on the ball, which would have found its way into the left side of the net if not for another spectacular save from Martínez.
This match required extra time, but Argentina would be forced to play the next 30 minutes with fewer men than Spain. And it looked like Spain finally got the better of Martínez when Williams buried a shot that Mikel Merino missed in front of the net. However, a foul was called before Williams scored, disallowing the goal and maintaining the tie.
The call generated controversy, as it seemed that Nicolás Otamendi sold his contact with Merino a little. But the decision stood and the goal was taken off the board.
But Spain never lost its determination to beat Martínez, and the moment finally came in the second half of extra time.
When play resumed, a cross into the box was kept alive by Williams’ head and the ball landed right at Torres’ feet. Torres wasn’t trying to be cheeky as he fired a shot that crashed under the crossbar to finally put a goal on the board in the 106th minute.
Argentine Lionel Messi (10) with Spanish Pedri (20) during the World Cup soccer final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Argentina tried their best to create chances on Simón to keep their World Cup hopes alive, but to no avail. In the end, Spain did not allow a single shot on goal and generated 20 of its own.
Throughout the entire tournament, Spain only conceded one goal to its rival, showing dominance from start to finish. It was only right that their tournament ended with the trophy in hand.
