*The Hero: Torres celebrates after scoring in extra time to hand Spain victory
By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0 following extra time in a tense and dramatic final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
The highly anticipated clash between the European and South American giants ended goalless after 90 minutes, forcing the final into extra time as both teams struggled to break the deadlock despite creating several scoring opportunities.
Spain eventually found the breakthrough in extra time and held on to secure their first World Cup title since 2010, denying Argentina a successful defence of the trophy they won in Qatar four years earlier.
Argentina, who played much of the extra-time period with 10 men, mounted a late assault in search of an equaliser. Lionel Messi remained at the heart of the South Americans’ attacking efforts, creating chances and delivering dangerous set pieces in the closing minutes.
The holders came agonisingly close to forcing penalties in stoppage time when a corner from Messi found Giuliano Simeone at the back post, but the forward fired over the crossbar with what proved to be Argentina’s best opportunity of the closing stages.
Spain also thought they had doubled their advantage in the 113th minute when Ferran Torres finished confidently after breaking through on goal, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
As the clock wound down, Spain’s defence stood firm against relentless Argentine pressure. Goalkeeper Unai Simón safely collected a late free kick delivered into the penalty area before the final whistle confirmed Spain’s triumph.
The victory caps an impressive tournament for Spain, who combined disciplined defending with patient attacking play to reclaim football’s biggest prize for the first time in 16 years.
For Argentina, the defeat marked the end of their reign as world champions despite another determined display led by Messi, whose side fought until the final moments but could not find a way past the resilient Spanish defence.