World Cup 2026: Spain ends Argentina's reign, wins second title
· Yahoo Sports
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 19 (UPI) -- Spanish defenders were a quiver of cobras, flooding Argentine attacks with venomous intent until Ferran Torres netted an extra-time strike to beat the defending champions 1-0 in Sunday's 2026 World Cup Final.
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The Spaniards outshot the Argentines 20-2 in the instant classic at New York-New Jersey Stadium. More than 80,000 fans, including U.S. President Donald Trump and a cast of celebrities, witnessed the breathtaking soccer showcase in East Rutherford, N.J.
With the victory, Spain became the first country in history to win consecutive men's and women's World Cups. They also denied Argentina the distinction of becoming the third men's team to successfully defend its title.
"I'm sure that when we get to Spain we'll realize what a crazy thing we've done," said Spain goalie Unai Simon, who earned a record-extending seventh shutout, the most in World Cup history.
The Argentines, who played shorthanded in stoppage time and extra time after Enzo Fernandez drew his second yellow card, managed to fend off rampant Spanish attacks throughout the match until Torres finally broke through in the 106th minute.
Spain's Ferran Torres celebrates after scoring a goal against Argentina in extra time for a 1-0 lead in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by John Angelillo/UPIThe Spaniards held a 65% to 35% advantage in possession, using their 4-2-2-3 positioning to stretch Argentina's defense. They out-passed their foes 858-456.
Simon, who did not face a shot on target in the finale, received Golden Glove honors as the best goalie of the tournament.
Spain's Ferran Torres (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Argentina for a 1-0 lead in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by John Angelillo/UPIMidfielder Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. Defender Pau Cubarsi was named Best Young Player.
Argentine goalie Emiliano Martinez recorded his first of 11 saves in the fifth minute. Simon picked the ball off of Lionel Messi's boot about a minute later.
Referee Slavko Vincic gives Argentina's Enzo Fernández a red card in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPILa Roja continued to threaten, with additional attempts from Marc Cucurella and Lamine Yamal, among others. Their pinball-style passing put significant pressure on La Albiceleste, but Martinez produced diving saves behind a strong back line throughout regulation.
Fernandez, who drew his first yellow card in the 82nd minute, received his second in stoppage time, forcing Argentina to play with 10 men in extra time.
Spain's Ferran Torres (7) scores a goal against Argentina in extra time of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPISpain appeared to finally break through in the 96th minute when Nico Williams buried a follow up shot, but that goal was disallowed due to a foul call.
Williams went on to play a vital role in the second period of extra time, serving up Torres' game winner. The Spanish forward ran toward the far post and used the back of his head to glance a deflection from the end line into the box.
Argentina's Lionel Messi argues with referee Slavko Vincic during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPIThe ball bounced softly in front of Torres, who used his left boot to drill a shot into the right side of the net.
Messi and the Argentines finally registered their first shot attempt in the 117th minute. They registered a second minutes later, but could not spoil the Spaniards' Sunday.
Spain's Lamine Yamal (19) is challenged by Argentina's Enzo Fernandez in the second half of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPIThe Spaniards cashed in for $51 million, and overtook the Argentines as the No. 1 team in the FIFA world rankings for their efforts at the record-setting 48-team World Cup.
"I think, at the end, this goal was scored by 47 million people, not mine, nor from the rest of the team," Torres said. "Today, destiny was written. Destiny was made for us, for our win."
The Argentines received $34 million for their efforts. Messi, who did not meet with the media after the match, finished the tournament with eight goals, the second-most in the tournament behind Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe, who scored 10.
Mbappe, who also was named Golden Boot winner in 2022, became the first men's player to win the award twice.