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For the second time in the history of the FIFA World Cup, Spain can call themselves champions.
It was Ferran Torres, who came on in the second half, who finally found the back of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in extra time in a 1-0 win at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday night.
This was Spain's second trip to the World Cup finals, but just like they did in 2010, they got the job done.
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Spain's forward Ferran Torres celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 World Cup soccer tournament final between Spain and Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, if this was Lionel Messi's last game for Argentina, it ended in tragedy.
As expected, both teams were trying to control the game, which meant that passing the ball was important and chances to strike would be few and far between.
In the first half it was Spain who did what they have done in all competitions, controlling the pace of the game and quick to make decisions near the box of their opponents.
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Lamine Yamal and company had chances early on, but none could cross Emiliano Martínez's goal line.
On the other hand, Unai Simón faced very little pressure in Argentina's attack, as Spain's strong defense continued with Lionel Messi and his compatriots.
When the first half ended, no team broke the board, each country was talking quickly about what was needed to change that. They'll have more time to do so, as Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and many other musical guests perform during halftime at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
As the second half began, Spain seemed to have the answers, creating good chances, including a clear shot from Martínez. However, the goalkeeper was able to save.
Then, in the 55th minute, a good pass from Dani Olmo in the box led to a pass back to Marc Cucurella. But Gonzalo Montiel beat Cucurella to the area, clearing the ball out of bounds for a corner kick, saving the grade-A's chance to hit the net.
Ferran Torres (7) of Spain scores his first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Spain continued to pile on the pressure, however, combining several corner kicks and shots to challenge Martínez. New substitute Ferran Torres had a good header from Yamal's cross in the 66th minute, but Martínez was there again.
It seemed like all the momentum was going Spain's way, as Argentina were still looking for their first attempt at a shot, let alone a goal. Spain had 10 shots, seven of which found Martínez's goal in the 82nd minute.
Still, Martínez continued to be a brick wall, especially when Nico Williams came on the plane during a stoppage and took a shot at him. Yamal couldn't believe that Williams didn't fall to him, because he didn't have the Argentinian defender in the distance.
Moments later, there was a crucial moment in the final game as a poor challenge by Enzo Fernandez led to his second yellow card, which resulted in a red card in the 93rd minute. From then on, Argentina had to play down one man.
Just before the end of normal time, Torres' poor play outside Argentina's box led to a chance for 19-year-old Yamal to win the World Cup. He hit the ball brilliantly, and it would have hidden on the left side of the net if it hadn't been for another spectacular save from Martínez.
This game needed extra time, but Argentina will be forced to play 30 minutes with fewer people than Spain. And it looked like Spain finally got past Martínez when Williams buried Mikel Merino's miss in front of the net. However, a foul was called before Williams scored, and he ignored the goal and kept the tie in place.
The call was controversial, as it seemed that Nicolás Otamendi had undersold his connection with Merino. But the call stood and the goal was taken off the board.
But Spain did not lose their determination to pass through Martínez, and the moment finally arrived in the second half of extra time.
As the game continued, a cross into the box was kept alive by Williams' head, and the ball landed on Torres' foot. Torres was not trying to be cheeky, as he ripped a shot that went under the post to finally put a goal on the board in the 106th minute.
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) stands next to Spain's Pedri (20) during the final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Argentina tried their best to create opportunities for Simón to keep their World Cup hopes alive, but to no avail. In the end, Spain did not allow a single shot on goal, while generating 20 of their own.
Throughout the tournament, Spain conceded just one goal to their opponents, showing dominance from start to finish. It was good that their tournament ended with the trophy in hand.
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