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Updated Jul 20, 2026 · 04:55
Sports World News Updated Jul 20, 2026

Spain Stuns Argentina in Extra Time to Win 2026 World Cup

Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute after a headed assist from Nico Williams. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made 12 saves but could not prevent the loss, as Argentina played with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez's red card. Lionel Messi set a record as the oldest outfield player in a World Cup final at 39 years old, but ended up on the losing side.

FIFA World Cup 2026: "Can't believe it," says Ferran Torres after World Cup-winning goal against Argentina

New Jersey, July 20

Spain star Ferran Torres said he was struggling to believe he had scored the goal that secured his country's second FIFA World Cup title, admitting he was still trying to process the moment after the victory over Lionel Messi's Argentina.

Speaking to the host broadcaster in a video shared by DAZN Football on X after Spain's 1-0 extra-time win in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, Torres said he simply reacted when the opportunity came his way.

"Honestly, I can't believe it. I just... trying to enjoy, but... I don't know what's happening. Honestly, I didn't think too much. I just... saw the ball coming to me and I just shoot with the power of all the... all the Spanish people," Torres said.

Spain clinched their second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina after extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute to seal the title.

Under De la Fuente, Spain completed a remarkable campaign built on defensive solidity and disciplined performances, conceding only once in eight matches on their way to lifting football's biggest prize.

The triumph also saw Spain add the FIFA World Cup crown to their UEFA Euro 2024 title, marking another major achievement under De la Fuente's leadership.

Coming to the contest, Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win their second FIFA World Cup title, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute after a headed assist from Nico Williams.

Despite making 12 saves, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could not prevent Torres' strike. Spain dominated possession and created most of the chances, while Argentina failed to register a single attempt during normal time and were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card late in regulation.

Spain's victory completed an unbeaten World Cup campaign and added the 2026 world title to their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph.

During the clash, Spain's Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, both aged 19, became the fourth and fifth teenagers to feature in a FIFA World Cup final. They joined Brazil's Pele (17 in 1958), Italy's Giuseppe Bergomi (18 in 1982), and France's Kylian Mbappe (19 in 2018), with all five ending up on the winning side.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi also set a new record by becoming the oldest outfield player to appear in a FIFA World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, surpassing Sweden's Gunnar Gren, who was 37 years and 241 days old when he played against Brazil in the 1958 final.

The 2026 final also marked Messi's third appearance in a FIFA World Cup final, having previously featured in the 2014 and 2022 editions. He became only the second player to reach that milestone after Brazil legend Cafu, who played in the finals of 1994, 1998 and 2002.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

Heartbreaking for Argentina and Messi 😢 But credit to Spain - they were clinical. That stat about Argentina not registering a single shot in normal time is shocking. Emiliano Martinez made 12 saves but still couldn't prevent the goal. The future is bright with Yamal and Cubarsi breaking records too. Spain really built their win on defensive solidity, quite unlike the tiki-taka era.

James A

Watching from the US, this was a World Cup for the ages! 🇺🇸 The atmosphere at MetLife must have been electric. It's great to see football growing globally, and matches like this inspire so many young players - including kids in India who dream big. Spain's discipline was the key - 10 men for Argentina in extra time sealed the deal.

Vikram M

As a football fan in India, I've been following Messi's career since 2006. Seeing him at 39 in a final again is nothing short of miraculous 💪 But honestly, Spain deserved this win - they were the better team throughout. My only gripe is that the match was decided by a super sub in extra time, not from open play in normal time. Still, what a tournament!

Ananya R

The way Spain defended - only one goal conceded in the entire tournament - that's statistically the best World Cup campaign ever! 📊 Our Indian football team could learn so much from this defensive discipline. Also, Yamal and Cubarsi becoming teenagers to play in a final alongside Pele and Mbappe - future legends in the making. Enjoy your second star, Spain!

Rohit P

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