Spain vs Argentina: Spain Win World Cup With Extra-Time Strike as Argentina’s 10-Man Fightback Falls Short

Ferran Torres scored a 106th-minute winner as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to claim their second World Cup title, denying Lionel Messi a fairytale back-to-back triumph

Spain are the champions of the world after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium, with a dramatic 106th-minute strike by substitute Ferran Torres settling the World Cup final and denying Lionel Messi a fairytale back-to-back title.

Spain completely suffocated Argentina’s explosive attack, controlling 68 percent of the possession and becoming the first team to prevent Argentina from registering a single shot in normal time during a World Cup final. The European champions completed nullified the Albiceleste’s attacking threats throughout the 120 minutes.

The game reached its boiling point in the 92nd minute when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández received a red card after picking up a second yellow for a reckless foul on Pau Cubarsí. Reduced to 10 men, Argentina’s resistance crumbled in extra time. Nico Williams unlocked the defence with an assist to Torres, who smashed home the historic winning goal in the 106th minute.

Spain dominated possession with 68 percent and registered 20 shots, 11 on target, while Argentina managed just three shots with none on target. Spanish passing accuracy stood at 90 percent compared to Argentina’s 78 percent.

Spain received no yellow cards, while Argentina accumulated five—Lisandro Martínez in the 41st minute, Leandro Paredes in the 52nd, Enzo Fernández in the 82nd, Cristian Romero in the 90th minute, and Alexis Mac Allister in the 111th minute—with Fernández receiving a red card for a second bookable offence.

Spanish midfielder Rodri was awarded the tournament’s Golden Ball as the best player.

According to a report by Accra Street Journal, this was Spain’s first-ever meeting against Argentina in a World Cup final, and the victory extends Spain’s unbeaten run across all competitions to a joint-record 37 matches. Spain have now earned their second World Cup title in history, adding to their 2010 triumph.

————————————————————————————————————–

Before Kickoff

Match Details & Background

• • Fixture: Spain vs. Argentina (2026 FIFA World Cup Grand Final)
  • Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
  • Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) — East Rutherford, New Jersey
  • The Stakes: Argentina is looking to defend their 2022 crown and secure their fourth star, while Spain aims to capture their second World Cup title, carrying a historic 37-game unbeaten streak into the match. 

Head-to-Head History & Record

Overall Record

• • Total Matches: 14
  • Spain Wins: 6
  • Argentina Wins: 6
  • Draws: 2
  • Total Goals: Spain 22 | Argentina 18 

World Cup History

• • 1966 World Cup (Group Stage): Argentina defeated Spain 2–1 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, courtesy of a double from Luis Artime.

Recent Meetings (Friendlies)

• • March 2018: Spain absolute dismantled Argentina 6–1 in Madrid (Isco scored a hat-trick).
  • September 2010: Fresh off their 2010 World Cup victory, Spain travelled to Buenos Aires and was beaten 4–1 by Argentina. 

Key Tactical Storylines

• • The Midfield Engine: The match features a blockbuster tactical duel between Rodri, the tempo dictator for Spain’s 4-2-3-1, and Enzo Fernández, the energetic heart of Argentina’s 4-4-2 setup.
  • Generational Clash: 18-year-old Spanish winger Lamine Yamal will test his record-breaking tournament form on the right flank directly against the defensive resolve of Nicolás Tagliafico and Lisandro Martínez.
  • Messi’s Final Stand: Lionel Messi enters the final match looking to add a second World Cup trophy to his resume, going up against a Spanish defensive line anchored by teenagers Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte.

Last Updated on July 20, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

OTHERS READING:  All final results and Medal ls - complete list at the 13th African Games swimming

accrastreetjournal.com/