Spain Wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Beating Argentina in Extra Time

Spain just won its second World Cup, and it didn't lose a single match to get there.

La Roja beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, ending Lionel Messi's title defense and closing out a tournament in which Spain conceded just one goal across all eight matches. The winner came from substitute Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, the first player off the bench to score in a World Cup final since Germany's Mario Gotze in 2014.

Nineteen-year-old Lamine Yamal had the standout tournament of his young career. Rodri ran the midfield, Mikel Oyarzabal finished among the top scorers with five goals, and Unai Simon took home the Golden Glove. Spain now holds the World Cup and the Euro 2024 title at the same time, a repeat of the stretch of dominance they had between 2008 and 2012.

For Argentina, the defeat closes a defining chapter. Messi had already carried the country to the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles before this final, and Argentina finished the match a man down after Enzo Fernandez picked up a second yellow card in extra time.

Spain's crest now carries two stars, one for 2010 and one for 2026.