The victory gave Spain their second World Cup title and denied Lionel Messi a consecutive triumph on the international stage after Argentina were reduced to 10 men late in normal time.
Spain’s Rodri celebrates with the trophy after winning the World Cup final football match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. Photo by AP |
The final began cautiously, with Spain’s pressing setting the early tone. Lamine Yamal created the first real chance in the fifth minute, combining well on the right before seeing his shot from a tight angle stopped by Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina responded through Messi, whose movement created a dangerous opening for Julian Alvarez in the sixth minute, but goalkeeper Unai Simon rushed off his line to intercept the through ball.
The first half was dominated by midfield battles, tactical fouls and limited clear-cut opportunities. Alexis Mac Allister repeatedly disrupted Spain’s rhythm, while Dani Olmo and Rodri tried to increase the tempo for La Roja.
Argentina suffered an early setback when defender Lisandro Martinez was forced off injured shortly before halftime and replaced by Nicolas Otamendi.
The teams went into the break locked at 0-0, and the match was accompanied by the first halftime show in World Cup final history, featuring performances by Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and Burna Boy.
Spain gradually took control after the restart. Olmo, Yamal and Alex Baena combined more effectively, and Martinez was increasingly called into action. The Argentina goalkeeper saved comfortably from Baena early in the second half before producing a series of more important interventions.
Leandro Paredes was booked in the 52nd minute after fouling Rodri and pushing Olmo during the aftermath, a moment that foreshadowed Argentina’s growing disciplinary problems.
Spain introduced Pedri and Ferran Torres in the 61st minute, adding fresh energy and movement in attack.
Yamal repeatedly found space down the right flank, while Torres immediately became a focal point inside the box.
Argentina’s defensive problems worsened as Gonzalo Montiel was substituted and Cristian Romero later went off injured, forcing Lionel Scaloni to exhaust all of his substitutions before the end of normal time.
By the final quarter-hour, Spain were creating sustained pressure. Martinez saved from Torres’s header, Laporte’s header and several close-range attempts as Argentina struggled to retain possession.
The turning point came in stoppage time. Enzo Fernandez, already on a yellow card, was sent off in the 93rd minute for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi, leaving Argentina to face extra time with 10 players.
Spain nearly capitalized immediately when Yamal’s free kick forced another outstanding save from Martinez.
Extra time continued in the same pattern, with Spain controlling territory and Argentina defending deep around Messi.
A Nico Williams goal was ruled out in the 96th minute after a foul in the buildup, while Pedri and Merino both went close as Spain’s shot count kept rising.
The breakthrough finally arrived at the start of the second period of extra time.
In the 106th minute, Williams won a crucial aerial duel and directed the ball into the danger area. Torres reacted quickest, taking possession inside the box and unleashing a powerful finish that beat Martinez and flew into the net.
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Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup final football match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. Photo by AP |
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters, and it ultimately proved enough to decide the championship.
Argentina threw everything forward in the closing minutes. Messi drove his team on with long-range efforts and set-piece deliveries, but Spain’s defense held firm. The closest Argentina came was in the 122nd minute, when Messi’s corner was only partially cleared and Giuliano Simeone volleyed over the bar from a promising position. That missed opportunity summed up Argentina’s night: moments of danger, but not enough cutting edge against a disciplined Spanish side.
The final whistle confirmed Spain as 2026 World Cup champions.
Spain finished with 20 attempts on goal and seven shots on target, while Argentina created few clear opportunities despite Messi’s constant involvement throughout the contest.
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