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Ferran Torres scored a dramatic extra-time winner as Spain finally broke down a resilient 10-man Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 at MetLife Stadium.
The substitute, who came on in the 62nd minute, smashed home from close range in the 106th minute after Nico Williams kept a looping cross alive and headed it back across goal. It was Torres’ first goal of the tournament from his 14th shot.
Argentina had been reduced to 10 men in second-half stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a reckless tackle on Pau Cubarsi. The midfielder’s dismissal was only the sixth red card in a World Cup final and the first since John Heitinga was sent off for the Netherlands against Spain in 2010.
Spain’s victory completes a dominant tournament for La Roja, who conceded just one goal in seven matches. It is Spain’s second World Cup title, 16 years after their triumph in South Africa in 2010.
Spain started brightly and forced a save from Emiliano Martínez within the first five minutes as Lamine Yamal shot from a tight angle. The Spanish controlled possession, completing twice as many passes as Argentina in the opening half.
Argentina’s game plan was clear: make it a physical battle and frustrate their opponents. Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić kept his cards in his pocket until the 40th minute, when Lisandro Martinez was booked for dragging down Mikel Oyarzabal.
Argentina suffered a blow late in the first half when Lisandro Martinez was forced off injured, with Nicolas Otamendi replacing him. There were only three total shots in the first half, the lowest in the first half of a World Cup final since records began in 1966. Spain had all three attempts.
Spain continued to dominate after the break, but Argentina’s defence held firm. Martinez made several crucial saves, including a stunning stop from Nico Williams in stoppage time.
The match turned in the 93rd minute. Fernandez, who had been booked in the 82nd minute, lunged into a tackle on Cubarsi, sending the Spain defender flying through the air. The referee immediately showed a second yellow card, reducing Argentina to 10 men.
Martinez then produced his 10th save of the match, diving to his right to deny Yamal’s curling free-kick from 22 yards out. It was the most saves ever made by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final. The whistle blew to send the match to extra time.
Spain maintained their dominance in extra time. Ferran Torres, who had replaced Mikel Oyarzabal, was determined to make an impact. The Barcelona forward had already hit the crossbar against Cape Verde in the group stage and been dropped from the starting line-up.
In the 106th minute, Pedro Porro delivered a looping cross to the back post. Nico Williams kept the ball in play and headed it back across goal. Torres rushed in to fire a left-footed volley past Martinez to give Spain a deserved 1-0 lead.
Spain almost added a second when Torres was played through on goal and slotted home, only to see the offside flag raised. Argentina pushed forward desperately, but their first shot of the match did not come until the 116th minute — a looping Messi cross that ended on the roof of the net.
Spain controlled the final minutes, playing keep-ball to the soundtrack of “oles” from the Spanish fans. Argentina could not find a response, and Spain held on to claim the title.
