Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time on July 13, 2026, to win the FIFA World Cup [1].

The victory marks Spain's second World Cup title [1]. The result concludes a high-stakes final between two of the world's most prominent footballing nations, denying Argentina a chance to repeat their previous success.

The match took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey [2]. Kick-off began at 3 p.m. EDT [3]. While the contest remained scoreless through regulation, Spain eventually broke the deadlock during the extra-time period.

Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal [1]. Spain maintained a strong offensive presence throughout the match, outshooting Argentina 20-2 [4]. This statistical dominance reflected Spain's control of the pitch for much of the game.

Argentina faced additional challenges as the match progressed. The team was reduced to 10 men on the field, leaving them at a numerical disadvantage during the closing stages [1]. Lionel Messi featured for Argentina in the final, but the squad could not overcome the Spanish defense.

Spain's tactical execution and the impact of their substitutes proved decisive. The victory cements the team's place in football history as a two-time world champion [1].

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Spain's second title establishes the nation as a dominant force in the modern era of international football. By overcoming a powerhouse Argentina side featuring Lionel Messi, Spain has proven that its tactical system can withstand elite pressure and capitalize on numerical advantages in high-stakes environments.