*Spain defeat Argentina to pick converted trophy 

*Torres delivers the winning goal

Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a thrilling final on Sunday, ending the South Americans’ hopes of successfully defending their title.

Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero after scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to hand La Roja victory in a fiercely contested final played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The triumph completed a remarkable campaign for Spain in the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The victory marked another glorious chapter in Spain’s football history as they overcame the reigning world champions to lift football’s most prestigious trophy before a packed stadium and millions of viewers around the world.

The final began with both teams showing great respect for each other’s quality, resulting in a tactical battle rather than an open contest.

Spain controlled possession for much of the opening period, patiently moving the ball across the pitch in search of openings. Argentina, however, remained disciplined defensively and looked dangerous whenever they launched quick counterattacks.

Despite boasting some of the finest attacking talents in world football, neither side managed to create many clear-cut chances during the first 45 minutes.

Spain struggled to break through Argentina’s organised defence, while the defending champions found it equally difficult to penetrate Spain’s solid backline.

As a result, the teams went into the halftime break with the score still locked at 0-0.

The second half produced a far more entertaining contest as both managers urged their players to attack with greater urgency.

Spain increased the pressure with sustained spells of possession and dangerous attacks from both wings, while Argentina responded with swift transitions whenever they recovered the ball.

The match became increasingly physical as every challenge carried enormous significance, with both sides desperate to avoid making the mistake that could decide the World Cup final.

Both goalkeepers produced important saves to keep their teams in the contest, ensuring the deadlock remained unbroken as full time approached.

The biggest turning point of the match came deep into stoppage time.

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a red card in the 90+3rd minute after a reckless challenge, leaving the defending champions with 10 men for the remainder of the contest.

The dismissal handed Spain a numerical advantage heading into extra time and shifted momentum in favour of the European side.

Despite the setback, Argentina defended courageously and continued to frustrate Spain in the opening stages of extra time.

Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 106th minute through Ferran Torres.

The forward found space inside the penalty area before calmly finishing past the Argentine goalkeeper to send Spanish players and supporters into wild celebrations.

The goal proved to be the decisive moment of the final as Argentina, despite showing great determination with 10 men, could not produce the equaliser needed to force a penalty shootout.

Spain maintained their composure during the closing stages, controlling possession and defending resolutely until the referee blew the final whistle.

The defeat brought an end to Argentina’s reign as world champions after winning the previous edition of the tournament.

Lionel Scaloni’s side had arrived at the tournament hoping to become the first nation in decades to retain the FIFA World Cup, but Spain’s disciplined display and extra-time winner ended those ambitions.

Although Argentina fought bravely throughout the final, the sending-off of Enzo Fernández proved costly as Spain eventually made their numerical advantage count.

Spain’s triumph capped an outstanding tournament in which they consistently displayed technical brilliance, defensive organisation and attacking quality.

The European giants defeated several top nations on their journey to the final before overcoming Argentina to lift the biggest prize in international football once again.

For Ferran Torres, his extra-time strike will forever be remembered as one of the most important goals in Spanish football history.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, concluded with a memorable final that showcased the determination, resilience and quality of two football powerhouses.

In the end, Spain emerged worthy champions, while Argentina were left to reflect on a valiant but unsuccessful attempt to retain the trophy.