Spain beat 10-man Argentina in extra time to win 2026 World Cup

By Hoang Nguyen JUL. 20, 2026

Spain ended a 16-year wait for football’s biggest prize by defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.

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Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta (GMT+7)

July 20

120'+5

Spain are world champions!

No more hope of coming back for Argentina and Spain will lift the World Cup trophy for the first time in 16 years! A well-deserved and convincing title for La Roja!

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Spain's Ferran Torres (7) celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup final football match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. Photo by AP

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120'+2

Messi’s corner was only half cleared to Simeone, who finished over the bar. That was Argentina’s best chance of the game.

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120'

That was a scare for Spain when a pass inside their box, but Curbasi made an excellent clearance. Five minutes are added to the game.

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117'

Time is running out for Argentina, while Messi is doing everything he can to save his team. His powerful shot hit Merino on the head and he needs medical attention. That would add more to the additional time.

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114'

Offside goal for Spain
Torres ran down and netted again, but the flag was up. Argentina still have a chance.

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112'

Mac Allister was booked for a foul in the midfield.

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108'

Argentina have no other choice but to attack now and take the risk of getting countered.

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107'

That was Spain's 20th attempt on goal.

Spain's Ferran Torres (7) celebrates scoring their first goal with Nico Williams (17). Photo by AP

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106'+1

GOAL! Spain score!
An unexpected hero for Spain. It's Ferran Torres who fired an unstoppable shot following Williams' header. This might be the winner for Spain.

Spain's Ferran Torres (7) scores their first goal. Photo by AP

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106'

Second half of extra time
Spain need to find a goal in the next 15 minutes because Argentina are specialists in penalties.

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The 2026 World Cup will conclude with the final between Spain and Argentina on July 19. This is a highly anticipated match by football fans worldwide. Millions of eyes will be on the pitch in New York, New Jersey, to watch the biggest match of the year.

Spain went 649 minutes without conceding a goal in the World Cup before Charles De Ketelaere scored for Belgium in the quarterfinals. That was La Roja's only goal conceded since the start of the tournament. Their 2-0 victory against France in the semifinals further demonstrated Spain's formidable form, with an expected goals conceded rate of only 0.31 in that match.

Meanwhile, Argentina are on the verge of becoming the first team in football history to win four consecutive major tournaments. Previously, they won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, and the World Cup in 2022. Argentina's attack is in stellar form, scoring at least two goals in each of their 13 consecutive World Cup matches.

Argentina are always calm under pressure. They possess the best attack in the tournament, having scored 17 goals.