Spain beats Argentina 1-0 to win second World Cup title

Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 20, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, giving Spain its second world title, 16 years after its first in 2010. The match was marked by Spain's dominance and Argentina's physical play, culminating in Enzo Fernández's second yellow card in extra time. Source: abces (ABC.es)

The match

Spain controlled possession throughout, with Argentina relying on goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to keep them in the game. Torres, who came off the bench, headed in from a Nico Williams cross after a Pedro Porro center. Source: infobae (EFE) The press widely praised Spain's style: Portuguese outlet A Bola said Spain shed its old "furia" image for a lethal possession game. Source: infobae (Portuguese press roundup) Argentine media acknowledged Spain's superiority, with Olé calling them "merecido campeón" (deserved champion). Source: abces (ABC.es)

Reactions and honors

Spanish papers celebrated extravagantly: Marca declared "Los reyes de todos los tiempos" and As said "el mundo es nuestro." Source: clarin Sport highlighted Ferran Torres's "gol mágico," while Mundo Deportivo also noted Messi's tears. Source: abces (ABC.es) Portuguese media crowned Torres the hero, and O Jogo noted Rodri was named best player of the tournament and Pau Cubarsí best young player. Source: infobae (Portuguese press)