Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final: the score and highlights of the match

Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Learn more about the decisive goal, match statistics, and the tournament's key highlights

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On the night of July 20, Kyiv time, the Spanish national team became the World Cup champion for the second time in its history. In the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium, the Spanish defeated the defending world champions, the Argentine national team, 1–0 after extra time.

The winning goal in the 106th minute was scored by Ferran Torres, who came off the bench. Despite Spain’s clear dominance, regulation time ended scoreless, and the World Cup title was decided only in extra time.

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How did the Spain–Argentina final unfold?

The final took place on July 19 at New York–New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. The arena is also known as MetLife Stadium and serves as the home stadium for the American football teams the New York Giants and the New York Jets. During the 2026 World Cup, the stadium hosted eight matches, each attended by more than 80,000 spectators.

Spain controlled possession and created significantly more scoring chances, but was unable to get past Emiliano Martínez during regulation time. Argentina focused on defense and did not take a single shot in the first 90 minutes. This marked the first time in World Cup final history that this had happened.

The scoring opened in the 106th minute. Nico Williams drove the attack and passed to Ferran Torres, who had come on as a substitute and sealed Spain’s 1–0 victory with a precise shot.

In total, Spain had 20 shots, 12 of which were on target. Argentina managed only two shots, neither of which was on target.

What does this victory mean for Spain?

Spain has become world champion for the second time. The team won its first World Cup in 2010, when it defeated the Netherlands in the final, also by a score of 1–0 after extra time.

The current national team holds both the 2024 European Championship and the 2026 World Cup titles. Luis de la Fuente’s team has not lost in 38 consecutive matches—a record streak among national teams in Europe and South America. At 65, de la Fuente himself became the oldest coach to win the Men’s World Cup.

How did the final end for Argentina and Lionel Messi?

Argentina failed to defend the title it won at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and to claim its fourth World Cup in history. Late in extra time, the team was reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off.

For 39-year-old Lionel Messi, this match could have been his last at the World Cup. He played in his third World Cup final following the decisive matches in 2014 and 2022, but this time he was unable to get a single shot on target against Spain. After the match, the Argentine captain received a silver medal.

Who won the top awards at the 2026 World Cup?

Following the final, FIFA named the best players of the 2026 World Cup:

1. The “Golden Ball” for the tournament’s best player went to Spain’s Rodri;

2. The “Golden Boot” went to France’s Kylian Mbappé, who scored 10 goals;

3. The “Golden Glove” was awarded to Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón—he kept seven clean sheets in eight matches;

4. Spain’s 19-year-old defender Pau Kubarsi was named the tournament’s Best Young Player.

Thus, three of the four major individual awards went to members of the Spanish national team.

Final Standings at the 2026 World Cup

The top four spots at the World Cup were as follows:

- Spain – World Champion;

- Argentina – silver medalist;

- England – bronze medalist;

- France – fourth place.

In the third-place match, England defeated France 6–4. The English led 4–0 after the first half, but the French cut the deficit to one goal. Bukayo Saka scored a hat trick, while Kylian Mbappé scored twice and became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals.

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We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

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