Torres Strikes In Extra Time As Spain Beat 10-Man Argentina To Win World Cup 2026
Spain are world champions for the second time after Ferran Torres broke Argentine hearts with a 106th-minute winner to seal a 1-0 extra-time victory in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain dominated possession from the first whistle but found themselves up against one of the most stubborn defensive displays of the tournament. Argentina, led by Emiliano Martinez, sat deep and frustrated the European champions for 90 minutes. The goalkeeper produced a string of fine saves to keep Spain at bay, while Lionel Messi’s side looked to hit on the counter. The match seemed destined for penalties until second-half stoppage time changed everything. Enzo Fernandez lunged in recklessly on Pau Cubarsi and was shown a second yellow card, reducing Argentina to 10 men just as the game entered extra time.
With the numerical advantage, Spain turned up the pressure. The pattern of the game did not change. Wave after wave of Spanish attacks crashed against a deep-lying Argentina defense. But the breakthrough finally arrived early in the second period of extra time. Substitute Nico Williams, who had been a constant threat down the wing, delivered a perfectly weighted knock-back. Torres, also introduced from the bench, met it first time and finished with composure to send the Spanish bench and the thousands of Spain fans inside MetLife into delirium.
The goal capped a remarkable tournament for Spain. De la Fuente’s side conceded just one goal in seven matches, suffocating opponents with their slick possession game and defensive discipline. Rodri was later named winner of the Golden Ball for his commanding performances in midfield.
For Argentina, it was a bitter ending. Messi’s team had produced dramatic comebacks against Egypt and England to reach the final, but they had no answer once down to 10 men. The captain was pictured in tears during the trophy ceremony as Spain lifted the trophy.
Reactions Summary
Argentina – Lionel Scaloni
Scaloni said he felt “sadness” after the 1-0 extra-time defeat, but stressed “eternal gratitude” to his players for the effort to reach the final.
He paid tribute to Lionel Messi, calling the 39-year-old “the best player to have ever set foot on a soccer field.” Scaloni said he was “completely certain” Messi would keep playing until he decides to stop, and praised his teammates for “giving everything for him.”
Scaloni also pointed to “injuries in key positions” and “enormous wear and tear” as obstacles, and said “we have to give credit to the opponent.” He ended by saying: “We are gracious in victory and must be gracious in defeat.”
Spain – Players
Marcos Llorente said the young core of Spain “aren’t conscious about what we’re doing: Pau, Lamine, Gavi, and Pedri… and that’s better.”
Gavi called it a childhood dream: “We all dream of these moments… I feel like I’m still dreaming, and I’m happier than ever. Today there wasn’t any tension, and we were playing a World Cup final.”
Pau Cubarsi said it was “an immense privilege to share the pitch with Messi” and admitted “I felt sadness because he is my role model and I don’t like seeing him lose.”
- Golden Ball: Rodri – Spain
- Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsi – Spain
- Best Goalkeeper: Unai Simon – Spain