Report as Ferran Torres scores the winning goal in extra-time as Spain beat Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final; Lionel Messi is unable to win another world title on what is expected to be his final appearance at the tournament; Spain follow up Euro 2024 win with World Cup title
Spain won their second World Cup title after Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute smashed finish earned a 1-0 win against defending champions Argentina in the 2026 final.
Spain were deserved winners. Torres scored with Spain’s 20th shot while the game ended without Argentina registering a single shot on target.
Lionel Messi touched the ball just 54 times in a match that took three hours to complete and featured a 27-minute half-time break
Spain’s win had shades of their maiden victory in 2010 too, scoring in the second period of extra-time after a goalless 90 minutes. Then, it was Andres Iniesta against Netherlands – now another Barcelona player, Torres, adds his name to the history books.
A nod back from fellow substitute Nico Williams saw the former Manchester City forward storm on to the ball and fire past Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez. It came minutes after Williams had an initial strike ruled out for an alleged Mikel Merino foul on Nicolas Otamendi.
Argentina did keep their shape well as Spain applied consistent pressure – especially after Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a reckless second yellow at the end of normal time – and relied on Martinez to make a string of saves.
Their only threat emerged in added-on time at the end of extra-time, with Giuliano Simeone blazing over a shot that could have sent the game to penalties.
Leave a Reply