Ananya Lohia , Mexico - Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time in a tense final at MetLife Stadium, New York, on Sunday. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the match-winning goal in the 106th minute, ending Spain's 16-year wait for football's biggest prize and securing their second World Cup title after their triumph in 2010.

Spain dominated possession and controlled the game for most of the match but found it difficult to break Argentina's resilient defence during the 90 minutes. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi in what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance, struggled to create chances and failed to register a single shot on target. Their hopes suffered another blow when Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in regulation time after receiving a second yellow card.

The deadlock was finally broken in extra time. Lamine Yamal started the move before Pedro Porro's cross was headed back into the box by Nico Williams. Ferran Torres reacted quickest and smashed the ball past Emiliano Martinez to score the only goal of the final. Spain continued to press, with Torres later having another goal ruled out for offside, while Argentina's late attempts failed to trouble the Spanish defence.

With the victory, Spain lifted their second FIFA World Cup title and completed a remarkable double after winning the UEFA Euro 2024. The defeat ended Argentina's reign as world champions and marked what is expected to be Lionel Messi's final World Cup appearance.