Spain Dethrones Argentina in Extra-Time Thriller to Reclaim World Cup Title

Spain has secured its second FIFA World Cup title following a dramatic 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The match remained a scoreless deadlock through 90 minutes of regulation, complicated by a bad-tempered atmosphere that saw Argentina reduced to 10 men. The stalemate was finally broken in the 106th minute of extra time when substitute Ferran Torres struck a decisive goal to return Spain to the summit of world football.

Coach Luis de la Fuente hailed his squad as the most united team in the tournament, noting their remarkable 38-match unbeaten streak across all competitions—a record spanning both Europe and South America. The victory marks a significant milestone for a Spanish side that displayed technical superiority and resilience throughout a grueling final. For Argentina, the loss ends their reign as world champions and leaves manager Lionel Scaloni considering his future; Scaloni stated he will take time to reflect on his position once his current contract expires later this year.

The tournament’s conclusion also serves as a referendum on the 'American makeover' of the event. FIFA embraced a 48-team format and various U.S. sporting model elements, including a first-ever World Cup final halftime show which drew sharp criticism from former England forward Wayne Rooney. The trophy ceremony itself was punctuated by a mix of cheers and audible boos as U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino took the field. While the expanded format produced a mixed bag of results on the pitch, Spain’s triumph ensures the 2026 edition ends with a undisputed European heavyweight reclaiming the crown.