Spain defeat Argentina to claim second World Cup
Spain secured their second men's World Cup with an extra-time victory over Argentina in New Jersey, cementing an unprecedented era of global sporting dominance for the nation.
Ferran Torres slammed in a 106th-minute winner to give Spain a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey. Rodri lifting the trophy capped a second men's world title for the nation.
For European public life, where international competitiveness is a constant thread, Spain's triumph represents a staggering peak. The country now holds the men's World Cup, the Olympic gold, the European Championship, and the women's World Cup simultaneously. The men's side is unbeaten in 38 matches, the longest such run by any European team in history.
The final was decided by a relentless control of the game. Spain recorded 65% possession, 20 shots and an expected goals tally of 1.94. They completed 852 passes to Argentina's 464, with Rodri completing 101 passes and Pau Cubarsi managing 121, accounting for two of only three instances on record of a player reaching 100 passes in a World Cup final.
At the back, Unai Simon kept his seventh clean sheet in eight matches to win the Golden Glove. Spain conceded just a single goal at the tournament, the fewest by any winning team. The demographic of this squad points to a prolonged era of dominance, as Cubarsi, 19, was named young player of the tournament, while Lamine Yamal, aged 19 years and six days, became the third-youngest player to play in and win a World Cup final.
Argentina's defence of their crown was largely passive. They became the first team in World Cup history to go 90 minutes of a final without a shot, with Lionel Messi's first attempt arriving in the 117th minute. Emiliano Martinez made 11 saves, the most by any goalkeeper on record in a final, but their discipline collapsed when Enzo Fernandez was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for a late challenge on Cubarsi.
The Argentine response deteriorated further after the whistle. Leandro Paredes became involved in scuffles with Rodri, Gavi and Borja Iglesias, while Nahuel Molina was seen throwing a punch at a passing Spanish player. "Embarrassing, seeing that sort of stuff after the game has been played," said Wayne Rooney. "Someone has been crowned World Cup champions. It is not good enough."
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni conceded the outcome was fair through tears at his post-match press conference. "Even though they were out-playing us until the 85th minute, I would love to know what would have happened had we still had 11 men on the pitch," he said. "They deserved the victory, that is the reality."
Alan Shearer was unequivocal in his assessment of the performance. "There is no doubt that the right team won," he said. "From start to finish, Spain controlled possession. They were the ones looking to play football, create chances and get in behind. This is a result for football because of the way that they have played. Spain deserve it."
