Spain edge Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim FIFA World Cup 2026

Spain are FIFA World Cup champions again after a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina on Sunday at New Jersey Stadium in the United States. Ferran Torres struck early in the second period of extra time to give Spain its first world title since 2010 and end Argentina’s bid for consecutive crowns.

Reporting from New Jersey for Al Jazeera, Paul Rhys said Spain controlled much of the final yet struggled to convert that dominance until Torres finally broke the deadlock. The late goal delighted Spanish supporters in the stands, even as a large share of the crowd had backed Argentina.

Fans described the occasion as historic. One Spanish supporter living in New Jersey, whose mother is from Spain, called it among the best days of his life and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the team lift the trophy at home. Others praised Spain’s teamwork and attacking approach, saying the side created numerous openings and that the contest was decided by clean, high-quality football rather than foul play. One supporter put Spain’s chances at about a dozen to Argentina’s none.

For Lionel Messi, the tournament had already featured memorable moments, including an opening-game hat-trick against Algeria and knockout comebacks against Egypt and England in the semi-finals. He could not steer Argentina past Spain this time and will not leave as a two-time world champion, though his standing among the game’s all-time greats remains intact. Some Argentine fans voiced sadness at what they see as a possible final World Cup appearance for the star, while insisting his legacy endures.

Spain’s 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, already a European champion, is now also a world champion. He produced bright spells in the final, though the match was not defined by individual brilliance and was not widely regarded as a classic. Spain nonetheless leave as the tournament’s outstanding side — the one team Messi and Argentina could not overcome.

Spanish supporters continue to celebrate the triumph, while Argentine fans absorb a painful defeat.