Ferran Torres Goal Wins World Cup 2026 for Spain vs Argentina
Spain is the world champion again. Spain won the World Cup for the second time in history on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. Substitute Ferran Torres’ goal broke open a physical, tense final. Lionel Messi’s final World Cup was marked by heartbreak, not glory.
Here’s what happened at one of the most dramatic World Cup finals in recent history.
Ferran Torres scores in the 106th minute.
Ferran Torres, who was substituted for Mikel Oyarzabal in the 62nd minute of extra time when Argentina was still at 0-0, finally broke Argentina’s defense. Torres scored from close range in the 106th second half of the extra time. This was just 39 seconds after the goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez had been replaced.
Torres scored his first goal in the tournament at a perfect moment. After the match, Torres said that the goal was for the entire Spanish people, and not just him or his team.
Red Card in Final
This was not a free-flowing, clean final. In the third minute of stoppage time in the first half, Argentina was reduced to 10 men when Chelsea midfielder Enzofernandez received a second yellow for a reckless tackle on Pau Castrorsi. Referee Slavko Vincic then sent him off. Argentina was forced to play the remainder of the game with a ten-man squad after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a reckless foul on Pau Cubarsi. Referee Slavko Vincic sent him off.
Emiliano Martinez Kept Argentina Alive
Without Martinez, the final would have ended long before extra time. Argentina’s goalkeeper made 11 saves in the World Cup Final, repeatedly stopping Spain from putting pressure on him. Martinez had earlier stopped Torres, who in the 66th-minute headed a Lamine Yamil cross straight at him. Spain finished the match with a total of 20 shots, while Argentina had a minimal output. This gap reflected how one-sided Argentina was at times.
Lionel Messi’s final World Cup ends in defeat.
Lionel Messi’s final chapter in football may end with this loss. Argentina came to this tournament to make history. They wanted to be the first team in history to win four consecutive major tournaments, after winning the Copa America 2021 and 2024. This was around their World Cup 2022 title. Messi’s final major tournament in an Argentina shirt was not crowned, however, as Argentina only managed 0.20 expected goals, a stark contrast from Spain’s 1.94.
What this win means for Spain
Spain’s 1-0 win secured its second-ever World Cup, 16 years after the first one in 2010. It also completed an historic Euro-World Cup Double following their Euro 2024 victory. Spain’s unbeaten streak now stands at 38 matches in all competitions. This is a record-breaking feat for a national team.
Spain scored just one goal in the eight matches they played, the most of any World Cup champion. Luis de la Fuente became the oldest head coach to ever lead a World Cup-winning team.
Final Score and Key Stats
| Spain | Argentina | |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 1 | 0 |
| Shots | 20 | Minimal (first shot came in extra time) |
| Goalkeeper Saves | — | 11 (Martínez, World Cup final record) |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 (Enzo Fernández) |
| Goal Scorer | Ferran Torres (106′) | — |
FAQs
Who is the winner of the 2026 World Cup Final?
Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, after he was substituted at the 62nd minute, to give Spain a win of 1-0 over Argentina.
What is the score of the 2026 World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain?
Spain won 1-0 after extra time.
Why did Argentina only have 10 men?
Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow for a foul against Pau Cubarsi in the first-half time stoppage.
Was it Lionel Messi’s last World Cup?
It is believed that this was Messi’s last World Cup, since Argentina’s quest for a major title in four straight years ended at the final.
How many World Cups has Spain won?
It was Spain’s first World Cup victory in 2010, and their second in 2014.
Where did the final of the 2026 World Cup take place?
The final took place at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Final Thoughts
Ferran Torres’s extra-time goal capped a physical, tense final and gave Spain their second World Cup while closing what could be Lionel Messi’s legendary international career. For more coverage and reactions, follow USA Times Square as the world of football reacts to Spain’s historic Euro World Cup double.
