Spain regain World Cup

Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at Met Life Stadium, New Jersey, on Sunday.

Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match in the 106th minute, calmly finishing from close range after being set up by Nico Williams, as Spain secured their second World Cup title and their first since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.

Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated the contest, enjoying 68 per cent possession and creating the vast majority of the scoring opportunities.

Spain registered 20 shots, while Argentina failed to produce an attempt until extra time.

Argentina’s hopes of retaining the title suffered a major setback in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.

Spain thought they had taken the lead early in extra time through Nico Williams, but the effort was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul by Mikel Merino in the build-up.

The breakthrough eventually came 10 minutes later when Williams burst down the left flank and squared the ball for Torres, who made no mistake from close range. Torres later had another goal disallowed for offside.

The victory ended Spain’s 16-year wait for football’s biggest prize and denied Argentina successive World Cup titles after their triumph in Qatar four years earlier.

Among those in attendance were US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.