Kingsley Ohens reporting
Spain reclaimed football’s greatest prize on Sunday night, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy in a captivating final at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
In a contest worthy of football’s biggest stage, La Roja showcased resilience, technical brilliance and tactical discipline to overcome a determined Argentine side, securing their second FIFA World Cup title and their first since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.
After an intensely fought 90 minutes ended without a goal, Spain maintained their composure and continued to dictate the tempo of the match despite fierce resistance from the South American giants. Their persistence was eventually rewarded in the 106th minute when substitute Ferran Torres calmly converted from close range after a well-worked attacking move, sending Spanish players and supporters into wild celebrations.
The breakthrough came shortly after Argentina had been reduced to ten men following the dismissal of midfielder Enzo Fernández for a second bookable offence late in normal time. Spain capitalised on the numerical advantage with patient attacking football, and Torres delivered the decisive finish that ultimately separated the two football powerhouses.
Throughout the encounter, Spain controlled possession and created the clearer scoring opportunities, while Argentina relied heavily on the brilliance of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, whose string of outstanding saves kept the reigning champions in contention for much of the contest.
Despite trailing in extra time, Argentina mounted a spirited late response in search of an equaliser. However, Spain’s organised defence remained resolute, denying Lionel Messi and his teammates any clear route back into the match before the final whistle confirmed Spain as the new kings of world football.
The victory capped an exceptional World Cup campaign for Luis de la Fuente’s men, who combined attacking flair with defensive solidity throughout the tournament. Spain eliminated Portugal in the Round of 16, Belgium in the quarter-finals and France in the semi-finals before overcoming Argentina to complete a remarkable march to the title.
For Argentina, the defeat marked the end of their reign as world champions after their memorable success in Qatar in 2022. Although they fought courageously until the final whistle, they were unable to retain the trophy against a Spanish side that proved superior on the night.
Spain’s triumph writes another glorious chapter in the nation’s rich football history, reaffirming La Roja’s place among the elite of world football. Guided by an outstanding collective performance and crowned by Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner, Spain once again stand proudly at the summit of the global game as the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions.
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