SPAIN captured the FIFA World Cup for the second time in their history after substitute Ferran Torres scored a decisive extra-time goal to seal a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in the 2026 final.
Torres broke Argentina's resistance in the 106th minute, powering home from close range after goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez had produced a series of outstanding saves to frustrate Spain throughout normal time.
The victory ended Argentina's hopes of retaining the World Cup and denied captain Lionel Messi, now 39, the opportunity to complete back-to-back triumphs. Messi also missed out on surpassing France's Kylian Mbappé in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot.
Argentina were reduced to 10 men during the second half after Enzo Fernández was dismissed for a second bookable offence. Despite failing to register a single shot throughout the 90 minutes, Lionel Scaloni's side defended resolutely to force the contest into extra time before finally succumbing to Spain's relentless pressure.
With penalties looming, Torres emerged as Spain's match-winner, sending the European champions and their supporters into celebration as they added the World Cup to an already glittering era of success.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente paid tribute to his players after guiding the nation to football's biggest prize.
"[I feel] so much pride. Pride for this generation of footballers that have been growing with this idea, staying loyal to the idea, and doing their best.
"They are an example of a team, a group, a family, and a collective of great players that have been exceptional. I'm just so proud to have accompanied them on this journey, to have been there with them on this trajectory is an honour.
"I can't really tell you how I feel. All I can say was it was worth it. Of course at the moment I am very emotional. I have spoken so much to the players, who said to me, 'Boss, we've won it all', and it's marvellous.
"This generation of players is an example for Spanish sport, for the Spanish youth.
"Of course we would have liked to win the game much sooner. We tried and tried to get on the scoresheet but weren't able to, but this is a World Cup final, even against 10 men at the end we had to suffer. But, we like to suffer... and we were prepared for everything."
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni praised his players despite the heartbreaking defeat and urged supporters to recognise their remarkable campaign.
"I feel sad but I am aware that we played our hearts out. I am forever thankful to these guys who have competed all the way. I have really fond memories of what they did and how difficult it is to get here.
"We need to attach a great deal of value to what we have done. We are big in victory and we must be big in defeat. Today we showed that we know how to lose. We lost the game and we accept that.
"But it doesn't mean that we will forget everything we have done so far. I would like to tell the country that we played our hearts out." - July 20, 2026
