Spain had most of the ball possession and held Argentina to two shots. Lionel Messi had few chances and was unable to pull off another late comeback.
Eric Garcia (4) and Pedri (20) of Spain celebrate after the 1-0 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19, 2026. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Substitute winger Ferran Torres smashed a one-timer into the back of Argentina’s net in the second half of extra time to lead Spain to its second World Cup title in front of 80,000 fans at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.
On the opening whistle, Spain established its possession game immediately, attacking with nine players and overloading the flanks with midfielders, while Argentina struggled to keep the ball for much of the first half.
Spain forward Lamine Yamal had his first chance in the fifth minute, collecting the ball on a give-and-go into the goal area, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made a great save.
A minute later, Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón came way off his line to close down Argentina striker Lionel Messi, before the stay player could find a pass or shot.
Spain began the second half with a fast tempo, connecting one-touch diagonal passes through the middle of the field and easily getting in front of the Argentine goal.
At the close of the second half, Spain recorded 14 shots, while Argentina had none. Martinez, playing with a broken finger, made 10 saves, including a free kick from Yamal seconds before the end of regulation time.
Early into extra time, Martínez stopped a point-blank header by substitute Nico Williams. Williams put the ball in the back of the net a short time later, but the goal was disallowed because another Spanish player committed a foul on the play.
Argentina played a very physical game, committing several fouls but also disrupting Spain’s rhythm. Enzo Fernández was sent off with a second yellow card just before the end of regulation time, forcing Argentina to play a man down in extra time.
Spain entered the second half of extra time with 19 shots to Argentina’s zero.
The game winner came 39 seconds into the second half of extra time. A shot from distance from the right side went wide left, but Williams managed to keep the ball in near the end line and headed it to the ground and into the path of Torres, who rifled it into the goal with a left-footed one timer.
Messi tried to engineer another late comeback, launching crosses and corner kicks from the right side into Spain’s penalty box, but his teammates couldn’t find the back of the net. He also fired a hard shot that hit the face of substitute Mikel Merino, who scored two game-winning goals in this tournament.
Eight of Argentina’s starters also played in the 2022 World Cup final, which they won.
Spanish goalie Simón only conceded one goal in eight games.