Spain Edge Argentina in Extra Time to Win 2026 FIFA World Cup
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic final that stretched into extra time at MetLife Stadium.
Substitute Ferran Torres emerged the hero for La Roja, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to hand Spain their second FIFA World Cup title.
Torres capitalised on a brilliant assist from Nico Williams to beat Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano MartÃnez and spark jubilant celebrations among Spanish players and supporters.
The final ended goalless after regulation time, with both sides creating chances but failing to break the deadlock.
Argentina’s task became more difficult late in the second half after Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second bookable offence, forcing the defending champions to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Spain thought they had taken the lead earlier in extra time, but a goal was ruled out after a VAR review. Torres later found the net again in the closing stages, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside.
Lionel Messi captained Argentina in what was a fiercely contested encounter, but the South Americans were unable to find an equaliser despite pressing forward in the closing minutes.
The victory marks Spain’s second FIFA World Cup triumph, adding to the title they won in South Africa in 2010. It also ends Argentina’s reign as world champions after their 2022 success in Qatar.
The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations as Spain’s players, coaching staff and fans celebrated a memorable victory, with Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike proving the difference in one of the most closely fought World Cup finals in recent history.