NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY — Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after beating Argentina by a single goal in the final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, claiming their second world title after 2010.
How Spain Won the 2026 World Cup Final
Spain settled the final 1-0 against Argentina in a tense, tightly contested match between the European champions and one of South America’s most storied sides. Both teams cancelled each other out for long stretches until the turning point arrived late in regulation, when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 90+3 minute, tilting the balance heading into extra time.
Spain pressed their numerical advantage, and striker Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time to hand his country the trophy.
Final Match Statistics
| Statistic | Spain | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 1 | 0 |
| Goals | Ferran Torres (106′) | — |
| Red Cards | — | Enzo Fernandez (90+3′) |
| Possession | To be updated | To be updated |
| Shots | To be updated | To be updated |
| Corners | To be updated | To be updated |
A Title Earned by a Golden Generation
The triumph crowned a golden generation that produced refined collective football throughout the tournament, built on possession and high pressing, led by a creative midfield, a disciplined defense, and a reliable goalkeeper. Spain managed their energy across the expanded 48-team edition, hosted for the first time by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, gradually raising their level in the knockout rounds until they reached and won the final. You can follow more via our Sports section.
Spain’s Road to the Final
Spain’s place in the final was no accident; it capped a rising campaign in the expanded edition of the tournament, which featured 48 teams and was hosted for the first time in history by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to FIFA, the final was staged as Match 104 of the tournament at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. Spain built their level from the group stage through the knockout rounds, keeping a balance between attack and defense in high-pressure encounters. For a look back at both teams’ paths to the summit, see our preview of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
The Decisive Moment: Ferran Torres’ Extra-Time Goal
According to the official data published on the FIFA match centre, regulation ended goalless before Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 90+3 minute, and Ferran Torres then scored the only goal of the game in the 106th minute of extra time. With that strike, Spain settled a final many described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, as the outcome remained in the balance until the closing moments.
What Spain’s Second Title Means
This triumph marks Spain’s second world title after 2010 and strengthens their standing among the greats of world football. It also reflects the success of a long-term project built on developing youth and preserving a clear playing identity across generations. Ahead of the tournament, Spain featured strongly among the title favorites, as we discussed in our analysis of the expert predictions for the 2026 World Cup champions.
The tournament also arrives amid growing Arab and Saudi interest in world football, especially with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 edition, which makes following the details and statistics of the 2026 World Cup of added value to readers in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the 2026 World Cup final played?
The final was played on 19 July 2026.
Who scored Spain’s goal in the final?
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.
How did the final end?
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time.
Where was the final held?
The final was held at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
How many World Cup titles does Spain now have?
This is Spain’s second title, after 2010.
