Spain reclaims World Cup after 16 years, defeating Argentina

Spain – World Champions 2026

Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, July 19, by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final held in North America. The victory came in extra time, giving Spain their second world title after 2010.

The match ended goalless in regular time, with Argentina failing to register a single shot until the final minutes. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, assisted by Nico Williams. Argentina had been reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card.

Match highlights

Spain dominated from the start, with Lamine Yamal and others testing Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez repeatedly. Lionel Messi led Argentina's attacks but was well contained by Spain's defense. Lisandro Martínez was substituted due to injury late in the first half, replaced by Nicolás Otamendi.

In the second half, Spain continued to press. Martínez saved shots from Pedri and Pau Cubarsí. Fernandez earned his first yellow card in the 83rd minute for dissent, then a second in stoppage time, becoming the first player sent off in the final.

Early in extra time, a goal by Nico Williams was disallowed because Mikel Merino had fouled Otamendi. However, Torres finally broke the deadlock. Late in extra time, Messi's powerful shot was blocked by Merino, and Argentina could not equalize.

Road to the final

Spain opened the tournament with a surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, then beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0. In the knockout stage, they defeated Austria (3-0), Portugal (1-0), Belgium (2-1), and France in the semi-finals (2-0). Mikel Merino scored crucial goals in earlier rounds, while Mikel Oyarzabal was Spain's top scorer with five goals.

Argentina won all group matches against Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0), and Jordan (3-1). In the knockout stage, they beat Cape Verde (3-2 aet), Egypt (3-2), Switzerland (3-1 aet), and England in the semi-finals (2-1). Messi did not score in the final four games but provided assists.

Historic tournament

The 2026 World Cup was the first edition with 48 teams, divided into 12 groups. It was co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. England won the bronze medal by beating France 6-4 on Saturday.

Argentina had won the previous World Cup in 2022 in Qatar, defeating France on penalties. Spain and Argentina had met only once before in the World Cup, in the 1966 group stage, with Argentina winning 2-1.