Spain Crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup Champions After Defeating Argentina
Published on July 20, 2026 at 9:19 AM by Evance Kapito
Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1–0 after extra time in a tense final played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
The two sides were unable to break the deadlock during the opening 90 minutes, with the match ending goalless and heading into extra time.
Argentina were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card and was sent off.
Spain eventually found the breakthrough in the second half of extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute to seal Spain’s second World Cup title.
The victory marks Spain’s second triumph in the competition’s history, following their first World Cup victory in 2010.
France forward Kylian Mbappé finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals, winning the Golden Boot. Spain’s Rodri was named the tournament’s best player, while Pau Cubarsí received the Young Player Award.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Golden Glove after conceding just one goal throughout the tournament.
The final also marked a symbolic meeting between Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal, whose connection dates back to a famous UNICEF photoshoot more than 18 years ago.
