Photo: Dylan Martinez ~ Imagn Images
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July 20, 2026 ~ Fox News Correspondent Jonathan Savage recaps the World Cup final, breaks down the championship match, and discusses what the victory means for the winning nation and its fans.
East Rutherford, N.J. ~ Spain’s long-awaited return to the top of world soccer became reality Sunday as La Roja defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The breakthrough finally came in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal, ending Argentina’s hopes of defending the title it won in 2022 and giving Spain its first World Cup title since 2010. After more than 100 minutes of tense, scoreless play, Torres’ finish proved enough to secure Spain’s second World Cup championship.
While the score was narrow, the statistics reflected Spain’s control throughout the match. Spain held 65% of possession and outshot Argentina 20-2, including a 12-0 advantage in shots on target. Argentina struggled to create opportunities and failed to register a shot on goal against a Spanish defense that has been one of the tournament’s strongest units. Spain’s midfield dictated the tempo from start to finish, limiting Argentina’s ability to generate sustained attacks.
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(CONTINUED) The biggest reason Argentina remained in the match was goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The veteran made 11 saves, a World Cup final record, to keep Spain off the scoreboard through regulation and into extra time. Argentina’s task became even more difficult late in regulation when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Playing a man down against a technically gifted Spanish side eventually proved too much, and Torres capitalized on the extra space to score the winner.
For Argentina, the defeat may mark the end of an era. At 39, Lionel Messi was unable to add a second World Cup title to his career, and his future with the national team remains uncertain. Spain, meanwhile, showcased the blend of youth and experience that fueled its success throughout the tournament. Led by stars such as Lamine Yamal and Torres, La Roja completed an undefeated run and lifted the second World Cup title in the nation’s history.
