Spain has become world champion in football for the second time in history. In the final of the 2026 World Cup, they defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time. Ferran Torres, who came on as a substitute, scored the winning goal, while Lionel Messi did not experience another triumph in what was likely his last appearance at the World Cup.
The final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup offered more of a tactical battle than the expected high-scoring affair. Spain dominated possession from the opening minutes, controlling the game and keeping Argentina's attackers far away from their goal. The South American team struggled to create chances and only managed three shots in the first half, the fewest in a World Cup final since detailed statistics began being recorded in 1966.
Argentina relied on a solid defense and the excellent goalkeeping of Emiliano Martínez, who made several crucial saves. However, Spain did not let up and their pressure gradually increased. In the 62nd minute, coach Luis de la Fuente brought on Ferran Torres and Pedri, significantly revitalizing the European champions' attack.
The turning point came in added time at the end of the second half. Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsí and had to leave the field. Argentina entered extra time with only ten players. Spain capitalized on their numerical advantage in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres was quickest to react to a loose ball and fired it into the net.
The Argentinians tried to mount a comeback in the final stages, but their attacking struggles were too evident. According to statistics, they did not have a single shot on target or off target for the first 115 minutes. Spain maintained their narrow lead and secured their second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory, sixteen years after their previous triumph in 2010.
The final had a strong generational element. Thirty-nine-year-old Lionel Messi faced off against nineteen-year-old Lamine Yamal, who is considered a potential successor to the Argentine legend. Messi became only the second player in history to appear in three World Cup finals, and also the oldest outfield player to start in a final. However, he did not add another trophy to his remarkable career.
Sixty-five-year-old Luis de la Fuente also made history. He became the oldest coach ever to lead a team to a World Cup title. For Spain, the gold medal is confirmation of a successful era in which they have managed to combine experienced players with an exceptionally talented young generation.
Interestingly, this was the first final between two Spanish-speaking countries since the inaugural tournament in 1930. The tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico was also the first World Cup with 48 participants and a total of 104 matches. The winning team received a prize of $51 million from FIFA, while the losing finalist received $34 million.
The American organizers also prepared the first halftime show in the history of a World Cup final. The break was extended to over 27 minutes due to performances by stars including Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Burna Boy. However, Ferran Torres ultimately put the finishing touch on the biggest World Cup ever, with his only goal sending the World Cup trophy back to Spain.
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