Spain Dethrone Defending Champions Argentina to Win 2026 FIFA World Cup

20/07/2026

Spain Dethrone Defending Champions Argentina to Win 2026 FIFA World Cup

NEW YORK, July 19: Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time in a dramatic final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, securing their second world title 16 years after their historic 2010 triumph.

Spain dominated much of the contest, controlling possession and creating the better opportunities from the outset. Lamine Yamal tested Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez early in the match, while captain Lionel Messi was kept largely quiet by Spain's disciplined defense.

The first half ended goalless, with Spain limiting Argentina to no shots on target. After the break, Argentina emerged with greater intensity and pressed high up the field, but Spain gradually regained control, pinning the South Americans deep inside their own half with sustained pressure and a series of attacking moves.

Despite dominating the second half, Spain were unable to find the breakthrough in normal time as Argentina's resilient defense held firm, sending the final into extra time.

Argentina's hopes suffered a major setback when Enzo Fernández was shown a late red card, leaving the defending champions to play the remainder of extra time with 10 men.

With the match seemingly heading for a penalty shootout, Spain finally found the decisive goal in the 106th minute. Pedro Porro delivered a cross to the back post, where Nico Williams headed the ball back across goal for Ferran Torres, who smashed a powerful finish into the roof of the net to give La Roja a deserved lead.

Argentina pushed forward in the closing minutes in search of an equalizer, but Spain held firm to seal a memorable victory and reclaim football's biggest prize.

The triumph marks Spain's second FIFA World Cup title, adding to their maiden success in South Africa in 2010, when Andrés Iniesta scored the extra-time winner against the Netherlands. Argentina, who entered the final as reigning champions, were unable to defend the title they had won four years earlier.

Mbappé wins Golden Boot and Spain players get three awards

Kylian Mbappé of France won the Golden Boot as the World Cup’s top scorer with 10 goals after Argentina’s Lionel Messi was held scoreless in the final. Messi finished with eight goals. Mbappé also has the career record with 22, one more than Messi.

Three other awards went to Spain players. Captain Rodri won the Golden Ball as the World Cup’s best player. Unai Simón won the Golden Glove for the top performance by a goalkeeper. Pau Cubarsí won the Best Young Player Award, beating out fellow 19-year-old teammate Lamine Yamal.

Messi on Spain: ‘They were better’

After Argentina’s loss, Lionel Messi said: “I feel sad, but I am aware that we played our hearts out.”

He also complimented Spain.

“And they were better, to be honest,” Messi said. “We lost the game, and we accept that. That doesn’t mean that we will forget everything we’ve done so far, so I’d like to thank my people, my players and the country.”