Spain Wins FIFA World Cup for Second Time, Defeats Argentina 1-0 in Extra Time

Spain won the FIFA World Cup for the second time in their history on Sunday, July 20, 2026, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute.

The match was decided in extra time after a goalless 90 minutes. Spain dominated possession and created several chances, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made numerous saves. Argentina was reduced to ten men late in regulation time after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card.

In extra time, Spain had a goal disallowed due to a foul. However, in the 106th minute, Ferran Torres finished a pass from Nico Williams with a shot into the top corner to secure the victory.

Spain's previous World Cup title came in 2010, when they beat the Netherlands 1-0. The two teams had met only once before in the World Cup, 60 years ago, with Argentina winning 2-1.

Spain's journey to the final began with a surprising draw against Cape Verde (0-0), followed by wins over Saudi Arabia (4-0), Uruguay (1-0), Austria (3-0), Portugal (1-0), Belgium (2-1), and France (2-0). Mikel Merino scored late winners in the round of 16 and quarterfinals, while Mikel Oyarzabal was the top scorer for Spain with five goals.

Argentina won all three group matches against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. In the knockout stage, they beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, Egypt 3-2 after coming from behind, Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, and England 2-1 in the semifinals.

This was the first World Cup with 48 teams, hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. England won the bronze medal by beating France 6-4 on Saturday.