Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, securing its second world championship title. The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten streak to a record 38 matches and ended Argentina’s bid for consecutive World Cup crowns.
Spain controlled the match from the opening whistle and dictated the tempo throughout regulation time. The European champions held 65 percent possession and outshot Argentina by a staggering 20-2 margin. Argentina failed to register a single shot in the entire 90 minutes of regular play.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal tested Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez early, but the shot-stopper delivered a record-setting performance. Martinez made 11 saves, the most ever recorded in a World Cup final, and kept his team in the contest despite relentless Spanish pressure.
The first half ended scoreless after Spain managed only three shots, none of which seriously threatened Martinez’s goal.
The match’s turning point arrived deep into second-half stoppage time. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in the 93rd minute for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.
The dismissal reduced Argentina to 10 men for the extra-time period and left the defending champions at a significant disadvantage.
Spain had a goal disallowed in the first period of extra time. Substitute Nico Williams found the net, but officials ruled it out after Mikel Merino committed a foul in the buildup.
Ferran Torres, who entered the match as a substitute in the 62nd minute, finally broke Argentina’s resistance in the 106th minute. Williams rose at the back post and headed the ball back across goal, where Torres arrived to emphatically fire home from close range.
The Barcelona striker’s powerful finish sparked jubilant celebrations among Spanish players and fans.
Argentina pressed desperately for an equalizer in the remaining minutes. Lionel Messi attempted to create chances but remained largely neutralized by Spain’s suffocating defense. Spain held firm to preserve its narrow lead.
The victory marked Spain’s first World Cup title since 2010 and made the nation the first to simultaneously hold both men’s and women’s World Cup crowns. Argentina had reached seven finals previously and won three titles, but the team could not overcome Spain’s dominance on Sunday.
The 2026 tournament featured 48 teams for the first time in World Cup history and attracted more than six million fans across host nations. The final concluded a 39-day competition that set a new scoring record with 308 total goals.
