Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time on July 19, 2026, to win the FIFA World Cup [1].

The victory marks a historic achievement for the Spanish national team, cementing their status as a global football powerhouse. By claiming the trophy in the U.S., Spain has elevated its legacy in the sport and ended Argentina's bid for consecutive titles.

The championship match took place at MetLife Stadium in New York City [2]. The contest remained deadlocked through regulation play, pushing the decision into a tense extra-time period. Spain eventually broke the tie when Ferran Torres scored the game's only goal [3].

Argentina's efforts to equalize were hampered by a critical disciplinary setback. The team was reduced to 10 men after a player received a red card [1]. This numerical disadvantage allowed Spain to control the tempo and maintain their lead until the final whistle.

Spain's path to the trophy was defined by a dominant defensive performance. Throughout the entire tournament, the Spanish squad conceded only one goal [4]. This defensive stability provided the foundation for their success in the final.

This win represents Spain's second World Cup title [4]. The victory concludes a rigorous tournament schedule that culminated in the New York showdown on Sunday [2].

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time

Spain's victory underscores a tactical shift toward defensive resilience, as evidenced by conceding only one goal during the tournament. By winning their second title, Spain joins an elite group of nations with multiple championships, while Argentina's loss highlights the volatility of the tournament's knockout stages where a single red card can alter the outcome of a global final.