Spain clinches second FIFA World Cup title with extra‑time win over Argentina
On 19 July 2026, the FIFA World Cup final was staged at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain defeated Argentina 1‑0 after extra time to become world champions for the second time, the first since their 2010 triumph. Ferran Torres, a substitute, scored the decisive goal in the first minute of the second extra‑time period (minute 106) after a header from Nico Williams. The match featured Spain’s dominance in possession (approximately 66 % vs 34 % for Argentina), passing accuracy (over 90 %), and shot volume (10 shots to Argentina’s single attempt). Argentina played most of the match with ten men after Enzo Fernández was sent off in the closing minutes of regulation. The victory marked the end of Lionel Messi’s World Cup career, as the 39‑year‑old captain failed to lift a second consecutive trophy. The final attracted a global audience, underscoring Spain’s return to the summit of men’s football.