Spain are on top of the soccer world. Today, in front of a sold out MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Ferran Torres’ 106th minute goal was the difference in a 1-0 win over Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup.
After a lengthy pregame show that included performances by Post Malone, Robbie Williams, and Jennifer Hudson performing the Star Spangled Banner, the game began with both teams looking to win another World Cup trophy. Spain had the first scoring chance of the match in the fifth
minute when some pinpoint passing got Lamine Yamal free inside the box. However, his shot was saved by Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martinez after the shot was deflected by an Argentine player.
After a few minutes, the game settled into a match where neither team was willing to give the other much ground. Both teams looked to move the ball downfield via short, crisp passes, but with each team valuing possession, there weren’t a lot of big chances taken to go downfield quickly and get behind the defense. Because of that, there was very little to write home about from the first half of action.
In the 39th minute, Spain had another great opportunity. Some clever passing off an Argentine turnover in their defensive half led to the ball falling to Mikel Oyarzabal, who fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area. His shot went straight at Emi Martinez, who fell to make the save and collect the ball.
A few minutes later, Marc Cucurella had a chance where he fired from about 25 yards out. His shot from just outside the left side of the penalty area went just wide right of the net, and the match remained scoreless entering the lengthy halftime break.
The halftime show gave both teams a chance to regroup after a first half where Argentina did not even attempt a shot and Spain only had three. After Shakira, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, and the Muppets performed, the second half began and Spain was on the front foot early. Their aggressive play off the restart got them a shot on goal within the first minute, with Emi Martinez having to make yet another save.
The pace to start the second half was more spirited as both teams looked to establish their game in the first few minutes. Spain had a couple of opportunities in the first 10 minutes of the second half, but both efforts were kicked away by Argentina’s defense. Spain’s Dani Olmo got a shot away in the 64th minute that Martinez had to push away for a corner kick.
Spain was the more aggressive team, pushing towards goal for much of the second half prior to the hydration break. In the 67th minute, they got another shot on goal off a Lamine Yamal cross. However, the free header from Ferran Torres went right at Martinez, who was able to collect the ball and end the threat.
Spain continued to go right at Argentina’s defense after the hydration break, but nothing was able to get past Martinez. As the match entered the closing minutes of regulation, it felt like Argentina was trying to hang on for extra time. Spain continued to go at Argentina’s defense, but couldn’t break through.
Two minutes into stoppage time, chaos ensued. Argentina got their first scoring chance of the match, but the cross in front of goal was stopped by Unai Simón. Spain then charged immediately downfield, with Lamine Yamal launching a rocket from 30 yards out that was blocked by Emi Martinez. The rebound came out towards midfield, where Enzo Fernandez was late to the challenge and picked up his second yellow of the match, putting Argentina down to 10 men.
Spain had one final chance when they earned a free kick just outside the box with just a few seconds remaining in stoppage time. Lamine Yamal’s effort curled right and Martinez made the save. Seconds later, the whistle blew for the end of regulation, and the world received 30 minutes of bonus World Cup final soccer. Argentina became the first team in the history of the World Cup to not register a shot during regulation in a World Cup final.
The first half of extra time started, and Spain was once again on the assault. Niko Williams was able to get a shot off early on that forced Martinez to make yet another save. A couple of minutes later, Spain thought they had the go-ahead goal from Niko Williams off a rebound in the box, but the goal was called back due to a foul called on Spain. La Roja had yet another chance in the 103rd minute off a cross, but Mikel Merino’s header went inches wide of the net. The match was still scoreless at the midway point of extra time.
The second half of stoppage time began and Spain almost immediately broke through. Off the restart, they were able to get the ball into the box. Niko Williams, as he was headed out of bounds, was able to head the ball back into the middle of the penalty area. Ferran Torres was first to the ball, and he fired the shot home from 7 yards away to give Spain the 1-0 lead.
The match restarted with Argentina looking for the equalizer. Still, Spain, with their man advantage and their ruthless possession rate, was able to keep hold of the ball. Ferran Torres thought he had a second goal in the 114th minute on a breakaway, but it was called back for offside on the break.
Spain tried desperately to hold on while Argentina started to enter full desperation mode. They finally registered their first shot in the 116th minute, but the shot was blocked by Mikel Merino, who had to receive treatment after the shot hit him flush in the face. Argentina had a great chance in the 120th minute, but the shot was blocked wide for a corner. As the clocked entered stoppage time, Messi took yet another corner that found its way into the middle of the box. However, Giuliano Simeone’s shot went high and wide of the net.
Argentina continued to push in a final attempt to level the score, but it wasn’t to be. The whistle sounded for full time, and Spain’s bench burst onto the field in celebration, champions of the world for a second time.
With the win, Spain becomes the first country to hold the World Cup and Women’s World Cup titles at the same time. And, with Spain serving as a co-host in 2030, La Roja will become the first team that is able to defend its World Cup title on home soil. Tonight, they stand tall as champions, and Ferran Torres was the hero.
