Ferran Torres Fires Spain Past Argentina in World Cup Final

Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute as Spain defeated 10-man Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 World Cup final. La Roja secured its second global title, while Lionel Messi and the defending champions fell just short in New Jersey.
 

Ferran Torres Fires Spain Past Argentina in World Cup Final

Ferran Torres’ World Cup final goal delivered Spain their second global title as La Roja defeated 10-man Argentina 1-0 after extra time. The substitute struck in the 106th minute to settle a tense final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026.

The victory ended Argentina’s attempt to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the men’s World Cup. It also gave Spain their first global title since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.

Torres Breaks Argentina’s Resistance

Spain controlled possession and created clearer opportunities during regulation time, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez repeatedly prevented La Roja from taking the lead.

The defending champions concentrated on staying organised defensively and limiting the influence of Spain’s attacking players. Lionel Messi struggled to find space against a disciplined Spanish midfield and defence as Argentina generated very little attacking momentum.

Spain reportedly registered 20 attempts before Argentina managed their first, underlining the European champions’ control of the contest. However, their dominance did not produce a goal during the opening 90 minutes.

Enzo Fernández's red card changes the Final

Argentina’s challenge became even more difficult shortly before the end of normal time when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card following a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi.

The dismissal reduced Argentina to 10 players and allowed Spain to increase the pressure during extra time. Lionel Scaloni’s side continued to defend deeply, with Martinez making crucial interventions to keep the score level.

Spain finally found the breakthrough just seconds after the second half of extra time began.

Pedro Porro delivered a cross towards the far side of the penalty area, where Nico Williams directed the ball back into a dangerous position. Torres reacted quickly and drove a powerful half-volley past Martinez in the 106th minute.

Spain Claims Their Second World Cup

The Ferran Torres 106th-minute goal proved decisive as Spain protected their narrow advantage during the remaining minutes.

It was Torres’ only goal of the tournament, but it became one of the most important strikes in Spanish football history. His winner arrived 16 years after Andres Iniesta scored in extra time against the Netherlands to secure Spain’s first World Cup title.

Spain also completed another remarkable European Championship and World Cup double. La Roja followed their 2024 European title by lifting the World Cup in 2026, repeating the success achieved by the country’s celebrated generation between 2008 and 2010.

Luis de la Fuente Makes History

The victory also placed Spain coach Luis de la Fuente in the record books. At 65, he became the oldest manager to guide a team to the men’s World Cup title.

Spain’s success was built on an outstanding defensive campaign. The team conceded only one goal throughout the tournament while combining patient possession with organised pressing and a strong collective structure.

De la Fuente credited the achievement to the unity of his players, who finished the competition as unbeaten champions.

Messi and Argentina Fall Short

The defeat brought an emotional conclusion to what was likely Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance. The 39-year-old finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists but was unable to produce another decisive moment in the final.

Argentina had entered the match seeking a fourth consecutive major title, having won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América.

Scaloni acknowledged after the match that Spain had been the stronger team while praising his players for reaching another World Cup final. Argentina’s footballers later collected their runners-up medals as Spain began celebrating a second star above their national crest.