Spain are champions of the world once again! In a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 final packed with tension, drama and unforgettable moments, Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift their second World Cup trophy.

The decisive moment arrived in the 106th minute, when Ferran Torres smashed home a stunning volley to finally break Argentina's resistance. The victory denied Lionel Messi and his team the chance to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup.

Sixteen years after Andrés Iniesta's famous extra-time winner delivered Spain's maiden World Cup title in South Africa, history repeated itself as Torres became the latest Spanish hero on football's biggest stage.

Torres Delivers the Moment That Changed Everything

For 105 exhausting minutes, Spain created chance after chance and repeatedly tested Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who produced a remarkable string of saves to keep his team alive. Just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time, however, Spain finally found the breakthrough.

Pedro Porro floated a superb cross into the penalty area before Nico Williams brilliantly headed the ball back across goal. Arriving perfectly into space, Ferran Torres unleashed a thunderous half-volley into the roof of the net, sending Spanish players and fans into wild celebrations.

It was Torres' only goal of the tournament, but arguably the most valuable of his career.

Argentina's Brave Resistance Ends in Heartbreak

Argentina fought courageously despite being reduced to 10 men late in normal time after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a late challenge.

Coach Lionel Scaloni reshuffled his side into a defensive setup as Spain piled on relentless pressure, but the numerical disadvantage eventually proved too much. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez delivered one of the finest performances ever seen in a World Cup final, making 11 spectacular saves to keep Argentina in contention. Yet even his heroics could not prevent Spain from lifting the World Cup trophy.

For Lionel Messi, the defeat marked a heartbreaking conclusion to what is widely expected to be his final FIFA World Cup appearance. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, but Spain's disciplined midfield and defence successfully limited his influence during the final.

Argentina's dream of winning a fourth World Cup title and becoming the first back-to-back champions in over six decades came to an end.

Spain Complete a Golden Football Revival

Spain's triumph capped a remarkable resurgence for a nation that has once again established itself among football's elite. Having already conquered Europe, La Roja added the World Cup to complete another extraordinary European Championship-World Cup double, making Spain the only nation to achieve that feat twice.

Even more impressive was their defensive dominance. Spain conceded just one goal throughout the entire tournament, becoming the first World Cup champions ever to achieve such a remarkable record.

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also etched his name into football history by becoming the first player to appear in both a UEFA European Championship final and a FIFA World Cup final as a teenager.

Spanish Stars Sweep the Individual Awards

Spain's dominance extended beyond the trophy as several players claimed the tournament's biggest individual honours.

Midfield maestro Rodri received the prestigious Golden Ball after orchestrating Spain's unbeaten campaign with his calm leadership and exceptional passing.

Goalkeeper Unai Simon won the Golden Glove, keeping seven clean sheets in eight matches while setting a World Cup record of 650 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal.

Nineteen-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi was named Best Young Player, announcing himself as one of football's brightest stars after a series of composed defensive displays.

Meanwhile, France captain Kylian Mbappe claimed the Golden Boot with 10 goals, becoming the first player to win the award in consecutive World Cups. The Netherlands received the FIFA Fair Play Award for their outstanding sportsmanship throughout the tournament.