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Well deserved
Spain were crowned World Cup champions for the second time in their history, defeating defending champions Argentina (1-0) in extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, adding a second La Roja star to their emblem 16 years after the first crown in South Africa in 2010.
The match saw an intense tactical battle between the two teams, which ended with the Spaniards winning in extra time thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, denying Lionel Messi from adding a third world title to his legendary career.
Balanced first half and Argentine injuries
The match started with both teams competing for possession as each team had long periods of possession. Spain’s Lamine Yamal had the first chance when he hit a deflected ball inside the penalty area, then it was caught by Emiliano Martinez in the fifth minute.
Spain looked to be in control as it was easy to break into the opposition penalty area led by Rodry, who became a striking force in midfield, but Argentina defended well and La Roja created only a few clear-cut chances.
Chosen goalkeeper "Albiceleste" Martinez continues to shine and block Koparsi’s powerful shot. pic.twitter.com/mRHmcMUxNE
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) July 19, 2026
The poor state of the pitch did not encourage attacking play and there were some unusual errors in possession and passing from both sides, while Argentina were repeatedly interrupted by errors, some of which were close to decisive.
As the first half drew to a close, Spain regained control of the match and Mikel Oyarzabal, after a superb collective attack, fired the ball home in the 39th minute, which was easily saved by Martinez, then Cucurella tried his luck from distance, but his shot went over the bar in the 43rd minute.
The players left the dressing room with a negative result, after Argentina suffered a painful blow, Lisandro Martinez had to leave and was replaced by Nicolas Otamendi due to injury shortly before the end of the first half.
Spanish dominance and Argentine persistence
Spain dominated possession and largely controlled the midfield in the first half, but their forwards struggled to influence the game, while this situation favored the Argentinians, who wanted to slow down the game and then launch quick counter-attacks.
Spain’s defense under Unai Simeone was exemplary as Lionel Scaloni’s men kept a single shot on target in the first half, with stars Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi relatively quiet as the opposition managed to neutralize them effectively.
Spanish consecutive opportunities
Ferran Torres ends the series of missed opportunities for the Spanish national team and gives… "Not roya" Progress goal! pic.twitter.com/SLp7BTvJcJ
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) July 19, 2026
The match resumed after the break and Alex Baena curled a shot from outside the penalty area that Martinez quickly took in the 46th minute. Spain then took the lead with quick passes and Oyarzabal and then Cucurella saw the footwork of the Argentines prevent them from hitting the penalty area at the last minute.
In defense, the Spanish team did not face significant difficulties, and Dani Olmo’s shot from outside the penalty area would have been very dangerous if not for Martinez’s save in the 63rd minute.
De La Fuente’s men did manage to create a few dangerous chances, but lacked the finishing touch and Ferran Torres headed the ball straight at the Argentinian keeper in the 67th minute from Lamin Yamal’s pass.
Things were complicated for Argentina with an injury to Cristian Romero, so the South American side ended the game without two key centre-backs, with Pedri heading the ball straight at Martinez in the 76th minute before Pau Cobarci forced the keeper into another shot a minute later.
Spain’s chances continued as Aymeric Laporte headed the ball straight at Martinez in the 81st minute, but the Spaniards wasted a lot in front of goal and the Argentine keeper blocked Nico Williams’ shot after a poorly executed counter-attack in the second minute of stoppage time.
Fernandez was sent off and into overtime
✨Closing Note✨
Watch the joy of the players of the Spanish national team after the final match ended with victory "Not roya" FIFA World Cup 2026™ title#WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/xn7RQeC8kF
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) July 19, 2026
Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card and was sent off in the final minute (90+3) after a fierce tackle on Pau Kuparsi, then Lamine Yamal took a good free-kick which Martinez saved brilliantly in the minute (90+6).
The match went into extra-time where things looked promising for Spain given their numerical superiority and Pedri sent a superb through ball to Neco Williams who headed in a brilliant save by Martinez in the 93rd minute.
Later, the Athletic Bilbao winger thought he had finally opened the scoring when he tapped the ball into the net, but the referee disallowed the goal after Mikel Merino obstructed Otamendi in the 97th minute, then Merino headed in Williams’ cross that went past Martinez’s left post in the 103rd minute.
Historic coronation goal
At the start of the second extra period, Spain finally managed to score their first goal as Neco Williams headed Pedro Porro’s cross into the net at the far post and Ferran Torres fired a rocket into the top corner for the only goal in the 106th minute.
The result remained the same despite some dangerous moments faced by the Spaniards in the final moments of the match as Argentina had several dangerous chances but failed to capitalize on them.
