Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 to win second World Cup title
7 verified5 unconfirmed
Spain won its second men’s World Cup with a 1-0 victory over defending champion Argentina in the 2026 final, decided by an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres. The match was played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. Spain dominated possession and finished without Argentina registering a single shot on target. Lionel Messi, at age 39, was largely anonymous in what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance. Spain’s win came after a goalless 90 minutes, with Torres striking in the 106th minute off an assist from substitute Nico Williams. Argentina played the entire extra-time period a man down after midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal regulation. After the final whistle, unsavoury incidents involving Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina led to further red cards.
What’s verified
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute of extra time.
Spain earned its second World Cup title, the first since 2010.
Argentina recorded no shots on target during the match.
Lionel Messi is widely expected to have made his final World Cup appearance.
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off in second-half stoppage time for a second yellow card.
After full time, Argentina players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were involved in confrontations that resulted in red cards.
Not yet confirmed
The half-time break was extended to nearly 27 minutes, featuring a Super Bowl-style show with Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS, but this detail was reported by only one source.
U.S. President Donald Trump was booed when he entered the pitch with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, according to a single report.
Spain captain Rodri was named player of the tournament, but that designation appeared in only one source.
The official attendance figure of 80,663 was given by only one source.
Political issues raised during the tournament, including the barring of a Somali referee and the U.S.-Iran conflict, were noted by only one source.
Key figures
Luis de la Fuente (Spain manager)
Ferran Torres (Spain forward, goalscorer)
Nico Williams (Spain substitute, assist)
Lionel Messi (Argentina captain)
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina midfielder, sent off)
Leandro Paredes (Argentina midfielder, red card after full time)
Nahuel Molina (Argentina defender, post-match confrontation)
Rodri (Spain captain and midfielder)
Emi Martinez (Argentina goalkeeper)
Unai Simon (Spain goalkeeper)
Sources: Sky Sports, dw.com
