Spain had been topped FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after edging defending champions Argentina 1-0 after further time in a tense last on the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. Ferran Torres’ decisive strike early within the second interval of additional time settled a fiercely contested battle and handed La Roja their second World Cup crown, ending Argentina’s reign on the summit of world soccer.
Spain dominate however fail to search out breakthrough in regulation time
Luis de la Fuente’s facet managed proceedings for many of the night time, having fun with the lion’s share of possession and repeatedly testing Emiliano Martinez.
Lamine Yamal threatened from the opening minutes, forcing an early save from the Argentine goalkeeper earlier than Marc Cucurella, Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo all got here near breaking the impasse.
Regardless of Spain’s relentless stress, Martinez stood tall. Oyarzabal’s close-range effort, Pedri’s strike, Ferran Torres’ header and Alex Baena’s probability instantly after the restart had been all comfortably handled by the Aston Villa shot-stopper.
Argentina, in the meantime, struggled to impose themselves. Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez discovered little pleasure towards Spain’s disciplined defence, with Unai Simon barely referred to as into critical motion all through the 90 minutes.
Argentina survive as Martinez retains Spain at bay
As the sport entered its closing phases, Spain continued to pile on the stress.
Pedro Porro gained harmful free-kicks across the field, whereas Nico Williams and Ferran Torres each pressured additional saves from Martinez.
The defending champions barely threatened going ahead and remarkably didn’t register a shot on course all through regulation time regardless of Messi incomes a late free-kick deep into stoppage time.
Argentina’s process grew to become much more tough when Enzo Fernandez was proven a straight pink card in added time after a reckless sort out on Pau Cubarsi, lowering Lionel Scaloni’s facet to 10 males earlier than further time.
VAR controversy overshadows first half of additional time
Further time started with Spain as soon as once more dictating proceedings.
Nico Williams thought he had lastly damaged the impasse after ending off a flowing transfer, just for the referee to rule the objective out following a prolonged VAR evaluate for a foul within the build-up.
The choice sparked large controversy, with Spanish gamers surrounding the referee believing there had been minimal contact.
Moments later, Mikel Merino headed narrowly broad as Spain continued trying to find the breakthrough whereas Argentina defended desperately with ten males.
Ferran Torres delivers World Cup glory
The decisive second lastly arrived instantly after the restart within the second half of additional time.
Launched halfway via the second half, Ferran Torres latched onto a cutback contained in the penalty space earlier than smashing an unstoppable end into the roof of the online to lastly beat Martinez and ship the Spanish supporters into celebration.
It was the reward Spain’s dominance had deserved after creating probability after probability all through the competition.
Spain face up to late Argentine stress
Argentina lastly threw our bodies ahead within the closing phases regardless of nonetheless struggling to noticeably take a look at Unai Simon.
Messi noticed a strong effort brilliantly blocked by Merino, who took the complete drive of the strike to his brow earlier than receiving therapy.
Spain’s defence then produced a heroic goal-line clearance moments later as Otamendi gained a collection of late free-kicks in a determined try and drive an equaliser.
Ferran Torres thought he had wrapped up victory on the counterattack, however his second objective was dominated out for offside.
Argentina’s last alternative additionally got here from a late set-piece, however their final supply was comfortably gathered by Simon as the ultimate whistle confirmed Spain’s triumph.
La Roja reign supreme
Spain completed the match precisely as they’d performed all through the previous month—with composure, management and defensive authority.
Having conceded only one objective all match earlier than the ultimate, they produced one other masterclass to utterly nullify Argentina’s assault, proscribing the defending champions to zero pictures on course throughout 120 minutes.
For Lionel Scaloni’s facet, the dream of defending their crown got here to an finish, whereas Lionel Messi’s pursuit of a second World Cup title additionally fell simply brief.
For Spain, nevertheless, a brand new golden era led by Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Pedri and Ferran Torres etched its place in historical past by lifting soccer’s largest prize as soon as once more.
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