Spain emerged as 2026 World Cup champions after a tense extra-time victory over Argentina, with Ferran Torres’ decisive 105th-minute strike breaking the deadlock. Both goalkeepers—Emiliano Martinez for Argentina and Unai Simon for Spain—were called upon to make spectacular saves, underscoring the high stakes of the final encounter.
The winning goal came from a well-timed cross by Nico Williams, which Torres met with clinical precision to past Martinez, securing Spain’s long-awaited triumph. This victory marks a historic double for manager Luis de la Fuente, who led Spain to both the Euro 2024 and World Cup 2026 titles—a feat reminiscent of their 2008–2010 golden era. Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to reclaim the World Cup fell short, ending Lionel Messi’s quest for a second World Cup crown.

