LIVE UPDATES: Spain 0-1 Argentina World Cup 2026 final – Follow all the action, the goals and celebrations
Full Time: It’s all over. Spain are World Champions for the second time. Heartbreak for Lionel Messi and his teammates who have been denied a chance to defend their trophy.
120+1′ – Messi prepares another corner
Lionel Messi steps up to deliver a dangerous ball into the penalty area as Argentina search for a late equaliser.
120+1′ – Spain clear Messi’s corner
Messi sends the corner into a crowded penalty area, but one of Spain’s defenders rises highest to clear the danger. Argentina win another corner.
120′ – Five minutes added
The fourth official indicates there will be five minutes of stoppage time at the end of extra time.
120′ – Argentina win another corner
Giuliano Simeone attempts to pick out a teammate with a clever pass into the box, but a Spanish defender reads the danger and intercepts. The ball goes out for an Argentina corner.
119′ – Merino back on his feet
Mikel Merino (Spain) appears to have recovered after his injury concern and is able to continue.
117′ – Merino receives treatment
Mikel Merino goes down in pain and referee Slavko Vincic stops play, allowing the medical team to enter the pitch.
117′ – Messi’s powerful strike blocked
Lionel Messi unleashes a fierce effort towards goal, but a Spanish defender gets in the way to block the shot.
116′ – Williams unable to keep it in
Nico Williams shows great pace to beat his marker but cannot keep the ball from going out of play.
115′ – Messi’s cross cleared
Lionel Messi attempts to create danger with a cross into the box, but Spain’s defence comfortably clears the threat.
115′ – Messi takes a short corner
Argentina choose a short corner routine, with Lionel Messi restarting play quickly.
115′ – Argentina win another corner
Messi sends a dangerous lofted cross into the penalty area, but a Spanish defender heads it away. The referee signals for an Argentina corner.
114′ – Williams penalised
Nico Williams (Spain) is penalised for dangerous play after referee Slavko Vincic blows the whistle.
114′ – Torres goal ruled out for offside
Ferran Torres appears to have scored for Spain, but the assistant referee raises the flag and the goal is disallowed for offside.
113′ – Williams caught offside
Play is stopped after Nico Williams is flagged offside.
111′ – 🟨 Mac Allister booked
Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina) receives a yellow card after a late and forceful challenge. The midfielder accepts the decision.
109′ – Spain dominate the statistics
The latest match statistics show Spain with 20 total attempts to Argentina’s 0 in extra time, highlighting their attacking dominance.
108′ – Yamal penalised
Lamine Yamal (Spain) commits a strong challenge and referee Slavko Vincic awards Argentina a free-kick.
106′ – ⚽ GOAL! Spain take the lead (1-0)
Ferran Torres puts Spain ahead! Nico Williams gets to the ball and delivers a header over the Argentine defence, allowing Ferran Torres to finish calmly and fire Spain into a 1-0 lead.
106′ – Second period of extra time underway
The second half of extra time begins with Spain holding the advantage.
105+4′ – First period of extra time ends
The opening period of extra time comes to a close, with both teams heading into the break before the final 15 minutes.
105+3′ – Simeone penalised
Giuliano Simeone (Argentina) is punished for an aggressive challenge, with referee Slavko Vincic awarding Spain a free-kick.
105′ – Three minutes added
The fourth official indicates three additional minutes will be played in the first period of extra time.
105+4′ – First period of extra time ends
The opening half of extra time comes to an end. The teams will have a short break before the second period begins.
105+3′ – Simeone penalised
Giuliano Simeone (Argentina) is penalised after making an overly aggressive challenge. Spain are awarded a free-kick.
105′ – Three minutes added
The fourth official indicates there will be three minutes of additional time in the first period of extra time.
104′ – Scaloni booked
Referee Slavko Vincic stops play to speak with Lionel Scaloni on the touchline before showing the Argentina coach a yellow card.
104′ – Williams’ long-range effort blocked
Nico Williams unleashes a powerful strike from distance, but an Argentine defender throws himself in the way to block the attempt.
103′ – Merino header narrowly wide
Nico Williams picks out Mikel Merino inside the six-yard box, but the midfielder’s header drifts just wide of the right post.
102′ – Argentina make a change
Marcos Senesi comes on to replace Julian Alvarez.
101′ – Yamal fires over
Lamine Yamal finds space on the edge of the box but sends his effort high over the crossbar.
101′ – Porro’s cross cleared
Pedro Porro floats a cross into the area looking for a teammate, but Argentina’s defence clears the danger.
99′ – Messi penalised
Lionel Messi is penalised for an attacking foul after referee Slavko Vincic blows the whistle.
99′ – Spain change defenders
Eric Garcia replaces Aymeric Laporte for Spain.
99′ – Zubimendi replaces Rodri
Spain make another change as Martin Zubimendi comes on for Rodri.
97′ – Martinez receives treatment
Emiliano Martinez goes down injured and referee Slavko Vincic stops play to allow the Argentina goalkeeper to receive medical attention.
96′ – Goal ruled out!
Spain appear to have found the breakthrough, but the goal is disallowed after Nico Williams commits a foul in the build-up. Mikel Merino is also penalised for an unfair challenge during the move.
94′ – Simeone commits a foul
Giuliano Simeone is penalised after referee Slavko Vincic spots an infringement.
93′ – Pedri booked? No, foul given
Pedri wins the ball from his opponent, but referee Slavko Vincic stops play and awards a foul, leaving the Spain midfielder unhappy with the decision.
93′ – Martinez makes another huge save
Emiliano Martinez produces a superb stop to deny Nico Williams, whose header from a cross was heading towards the left post.
92′ – Porro penalised for a foul
Pedro Porro (Spain) commits a strong challenge and referee Slavko Vincic immediately blows for a foul.
91′ – Extra time begins
The first period of extra time is underway as both teams continue searching for the winning goal.
90+9′ – Full time in normal time
Referee Slavko Vincic brings the second half to an end. The match heads into extra time.
90+9′ – Spain attack blocked
Nico Williams tries to create an opening, but an Argentine defender makes a crucial last-ditch block to stop the pass.
90+9′ – Spain take a short corner
Nico Williams quickly restarts play with a short corner as Spain push forward late on.
90+8′ – Martinez denies Yamal with stunning save
Lamine Yamal steps up for a free-kick from the edge of the box and curls an effort towards the top-right corner, but Emiliano Martinez makes a brilliant diving save to keep it out. Spain earn another corner.
90+6′ – Paredes commits a dangerous foul
Leandro Paredes (Argentina) makes a reckless challenge, giving Spain a free-kick in a promising position for a direct attempt.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
90+3′ – 🟥 Enzo Fernandez sent off!
Argentina are reduced to 10 men as Enzo Fernandez receives a second yellow card for a reckless challenge. Referee Slavko Vincic shows the red card, ending the midfielder’s night early.
90+3′ – Martinez denies Williams again
Nico Williams curls a superb effort from the edge of the box, but Emiliano Martinez produces another fine save to keep Spain out.
90+3′ – Simon reacts quickly
Giuliano Simeone slips a pass into the penalty area, but Unai Simon is alert and comes off his line to end the danger.
90+2′ – Laporte penalised
Aymeric Laporte (Spain) commits a late challenge and the referee awards Argentina a free-kick.
90+1′ – Torres concedes a foul
Ferran Torres (Spain) is penalised after bringing down his opponent.
90′ – Four minutes added
The fourth official indicates there will be a minimum of four minutes of stoppage time.
89′ – Rodri off target
Rodri tries his luck from long range, but his effort flies well over the crossbar.
87′ – Torres goes close
Ferran Torres meets the ball first time inside the box, but his shot flashes narrowly wide.
86′ – Spain still searching for a breakthrough
The shot-on-target count stands at 8-0 in Spain’s favour, highlighting their dominance despite the deadlock.
85′ – Argentina clear the danger
Ferran Torres plays a dangerous pass into the area, but Argentina’s defence is well positioned to clear.
84′ – Fernandez commits another foul
Enzo Fernandez is penalised after an overly aggressive challenge.
82′ – 🟨 Fernandez booked for dissent
Enzo Fernandez is shown a yellow card after protesting a decision made by referee Slavko Vincic.
81′ – Simeone caught fouling
Giuliano Simeone is penalised for a foul during an Argentine attack.
81′ – Martinez produces another brilliant save
Aymeric Laporte powers a header towards the left corner from a pinpoint cross, but Emiliano Martinez makes a superb stop to preserve the clean sheet.
81′ – Spain take a short corner
Spain opt for a short corner routine instead of sending the ball directly into the box.
80′ – Spain win another corner
Pedro Porro’s attempted through ball is blocked by an Argentine defender, giving Spain a corner.
78′ – Williams overhits the delivery
Nico Williams’ corner sails beyond everyone and Argentina clear comfortably.
78′ – Corner for Spain
Nico Williams’ low cross is blocked behind by the Argentine defence for another Spain corner.
77′ – Cubarsi denied
Pau Cubarsi fires from outside the box, but Emiliano Martinez gets down to make the save.
77′ – Yamal’s cross intercepted
Lamine Yamal looks to pick out a teammate in the area, but Argentina clear the danger.
77′ – Pedri denied by Martinez
Pedri unleashes a goal-bound strike from the edge of the area, but Emiliano Martinez makes an outstanding save to keep it out.
76′ – Attendance announced
A crowd of 80,663 spectators is in attendance for the World Cup final.
76′ – Paredes escapes punishment
Leandro Paredes commits a forceful foul but avoids a booking.
75′ – Merino enters for Spain
Mikel Merino replaces Dani Olmo as Spain make another attacking change.
75′ – Williams introduced
Nico Williams comes on in place of Alex Baena.
73′ – Argentine move breaks down
Giuliano Simeone attempts to thread a pass into the box, but Spain’s defence reacts quickly to cut it out.
70′ – Simeone joins the action
Lionel Scaloni brings on Giuliano Simeone to replace Rodrigo De Paul.
70′ – Injury forces Argentina change
Cristian Romero is unable to continue due to injury, with Facundo Medina coming on in his place.
68′ – Cooling break
The referee temporarily halts play for a cooling break.
67′ – Martinez denies Torres
Ferran Torres rises highest to meet a cross with a header, but Emiliano Martinez is well positioned to make the save.
65′ – Spain’s pressure comes to nothing
Alex Baena delivers the resulting corner, but Argentina’s defence clears the danger.
65′ – Spain win another corner
Lamine Yamal sends a cross into the box that is intercepted by an Argentine defender, earning Spain a corner.
65′ – Corner easily cleared
Lamine Yamal curls the corner into the area, but Argentina comfortably head it away.
64′ – Olmo denied, Spain earn a corner
Dani Olmo strikes from the edge of the box, but Emiliano Martinez gathers with ease. The ball goes behind for a Spain corner.
63′ – Argentina snuff out Yamal’s run
Lamine Yamal attempts to dribble his way through, but Argentina’s defence stands firm and clears the ball.
62′ – Otamendi concedes a foul
Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina) is penalised after a robust challenge by referee Slavko Vincic.
62′ – Spain make their second change
Luis de la Fuente replaces Mikel Oyarzabal with Ferran Torres.
62′ – Pedri introduced
Fabian Ruiz makes way as Pedri comes on for Spain.
61′ – Baena’s delivery cut out
Alex Baena plays a dangerous ball into the penalty area, but Argentina’s defence clears the threat.
61′ – Yamal’s free-kick blocked
Lamine Yamal’s free-kick is stopped by the Argentine defensive wall.
60′ – Spain awarded dangerous free-kick
Leandro Paredes brings down his opponent just outside the area, giving Spain a free-kick in a promising position.
58′ – Argentina make a substitution
Nahuel Molina replaces Gonzalo Montiel.
57′ – Porro overhits his cross
Pedro Porro looks to pick out a teammate in the box, but his cross sails beyond everyone.
52′ – 🟨 Paredes goes into the book
Leandro Paredes (Argentina) is shown a yellow card by referee Slavko Vincic.
51′ – Baena penalised for another foul
Alex Baena (Spain) is whistled for a strong challenge as Argentina win a free-kick.
50′ – Referee spots the infringement
Alex Baena (Spain) trips his opponent, prompting Slavko Vincic to immediately blow for a foul.
48′ – Messi’s corner cleared
Lionel Messi swings in a corner for Argentina, but the Spanish defence deals with it comfortably.
47′ – Argentina earn a corner
Leandro Paredes threads a forward pass that is cut out by a defender, with the deflection sending the ball behind for an Argentina corner.
46′ – Baena tests Martinez
Alex Baena (Spain) fires a low effort from the edge of the area towards the bottom-right corner, but Emiliano Martinez gathers comfortably.
46′ – Argentina make a change
Lionel Scaloni introduces Leandro Paredes in place of Nicolas Gonzalez for the start of the second half.
46′ – Second half underway
The referee blows the whistle and the second half gets underway.
45+5′ The referee brings the first half to an end at MetLife Stadium, sending both teams into the dressing rooms after a tightly contested opening 45 minutes.
45+3′ Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) is penalised for a reckless challenge, with referee Slavko Vincic immediately blowing for a foul.
45′ There will be a minimum of four minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
44′ Argentina are forced into an early change as the injured Lisandro Martinez makes way for Nicolas Otamendi.
43′ Spain come close to breaking the deadlock as Marc Cucurella’s powerful effort from the edge of the area flashes narrowly wide of the right post.
42′ Pedro Porro sends an inviting cross into the box, but none of his teammates can get on the end of it.
41′ Lisandro Martinez (Argentina) becomes the first player booked after a heavy challenge, with referee Slavko Vincic showing a yellow card.
39′ Spain are denied by a brilliant save from Emiliano Martinez after Mikel Oyarzabal weaves past defenders and fires a low effort towards goal.
38′ Spain continue to dominate possession as Alex Baena’s through ball is cleared before reaching Dani Olmo, moments after Olmo’s cross and an earlier long pass from Marc Cucurella were both dealt with by the Argentina defence.
37′ Marc Cucurella tries to spark another Spanish attack, but Argentina clear the danger.
36′ Nicolas Tagliafico concedes another free-kick after a late challenge as Spain continue to enjoy territorial advantage.
35′ Marc Cucurella is flagged offside during another Spain attack.
34′ Julian Alvarez gives away a free-kick with a foul before Lionel Messi quickly restarts play with a short pass for Argentina.
29′ Nicolas Tagliafico (Argentina) is penalised for pulling back his opponent, handing Spain another free-kick in a dangerous area.
28′ Argentina concede possession after Alexis Mac Allister is penalised for a clear handball.
25′ The referee calls for the scheduled cooling break, giving both teams a chance to regroup midway through the first half.
24′ Rodri (Spain) is whistled for holding his marker, bringing Argentina’s attack to a halt.
24′ Spain’s resulting pressure continues as Alex Baena swings in a corner, but Emiliano Martinez reacts well to collect.
23′ Marc Cucurella sees his dangerous pass into the penalty area blocked behind by the Argentina defence, earning Spain another corner as they continue to push forward.
22′ Julian Alvarez thinks he is through on goal, but the assistant referee’s flag goes up for offside against the Argentina striker.
21′ Spain are also caught offside as Mikel Oyarzabal makes his run too early.
20′ Dani Olmo (Spain) concedes a free-kick after a late challenge in midfield.
18′ Nicolas Tagliafico (Argentina) is penalised for a strong tackle, with referee Slavko Vincic quick to whistle for the foul.
18′ At the other end, Nicolas Gonzalez drives forward on a determined solo run, but Spain recover well to block his progress.
17′ Lamine Yamal attempts to pick out a teammate, but Emiliano Martinez reads the danger and gathers comfortably to halt Spain’s attack.
17′ Rodrigo De Paul delivers Argentina’s resulting free-kick into the area, but the cross drifts harmlessly out of play.
14′ Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina) escapes a booking after bringing down his opponent with a sliding challenge. Referee Slavko Vincic stops play but opts for a warning instead of reaching for his card.
13′ Spain continue to apply pressure as Alex Baena’s dangerous corner is cleared by the Argentina defence after his initial pass had been blocked.
12′ Fabian Ruiz swings a cross into the area, but an Argentina defender is alert to intercept. Spain earn another corner as they keep the pressure on.
8′ Lamine Yamal (Spain) is penalised for dangerous play, allowing Argentina a free-kick.
5′ Spain threaten again as Lamine Yamal meets a pass inside the box, but his effort is straight at Emiliano Martinez, who makes a comfortable save.
5′ Moments later, Yamal delivers another dangerous ball into the penalty area, but Argentina’s defence reacts well to clear the danger.
5′ Argentina respond with a long pass from Julian Alvarez, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon reads the play perfectly and intercepts.
4′ Gonzalo Montiel (Argentina) is penalised for pulling back his marker, handing Spain a free-kick in a promising position.
2′ Pedro Porro (Spain) goes in late on his opponent, prompting referee Slavko Vincic to blow for a free-kick in Argentina’s favour.
1′ We’re underway at MetLife Stadium as the 2026 FIFA World Cup final kicks off, with Argentina getting the match started.
Pre-match: The players are out on the pitch ahead of kick-off, with Slovenian official Slavko Vincic taking charge of the World Cup final.
Argentina claimed a 2-1 win in their only previous World Cup meeting in 1966, while Spain dominated the most recent encounter with a 6-1 victory in an international friendly in 2018. Spain have also won three of the four meetings between the two sides this century.
The rivalry between Spain and Argentina has been closely contested over the years, with both nations recording six victories apiece alongside two draws.
Head-to-head
However, recent history offers a warning, with each of the last three defending champions to reach a World Cup final falling short.
A victory would secure successive World Cup titles and cement Argentina’s place among the select group of countries to successfully defend the trophy.
Despite those tense finishes, they have now won 14 consecutive matches, equalling the longest winning streak by a South American nation.
The holders have developed a habit of leaving it late during the knockout rounds, requiring either extra time or dramatic comebacks after the 75th minute in each of their four elimination matches.
Argentina once again demonstrated their resilience in the semi-finals, recovering to beat England 2-1 and book a seventh World Cup final appearance.
Argentina eye back-to-back World Cup crowns
Victory would extend Spain’s unbeaten run to 38 matches in regulation time and set a new record for the longest unbeaten streak by a European nation, while also delivering a sixth major international final victory from their last seven appearances.
Their route has included victories over Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France, with Tuesday’s 2-0 semi-final triumph over France underlining their credentials.
After opening the tournament with an unexpected goalless draw against Cape Verde, Spain have responded emphatically, winning six consecutive matches to reach the final.
They have also become the first nation to keep six clean sheets at a single FIFA World Cup, highlighting the defensive strength that has underpinned their impressive run.
Spain arrive in the final as one of the tournament’s most complete teams after conceding just one goal throughout their campaign.
Spain target another slice of history
It is the first World Cup final to feature the reigning European champions against the reigning Copa América holders, with Spain chasing a second world title and Argentina aiming to become only the third nation to retain the trophy.
Football’s biggest prize is up for grabs as two of the tournament’s standout teams meet in a historic showdown.
Welcome to Africasoccer’s live coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where European champions Spain take on defending champions Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
-
Mohamed Amine Tougai set for Al Ahli Tripoli Move in €1.7m deal Jul 20, 2026 -
Morocco to face Cape Verde in Women’s AFCON warm-up match Jul 20, 2026
-
Simba SC agree deal to sign Malian forward Ibrahim Doumbia Jul 20, 2026
-
Al Ahly sign Moroccan League top scorer Soufiane Benjdida on three-year deal Jul 20, 2026
-
AFCON 2025: Fixtures, Results, Scores and Standings Jan 18, 2026
-
Leadership and long-term vision key to rescuing Zamalek and inspiring Egyptian football – Hany Abou Rida Nov 5, 2025
-
South African giants Orlando Pirates set to lose influential forward Monnapule Saleng Mar 19, 2025
-
Full schedule for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco confirmed Feb 12, 2025
-
World Cup 2026: Fixtures, Results, Scores and Standings Jul 19, 2026
-
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou drawing interest from Europe’s top clubs Jul 13, 2026
-
CAF Committee recommends rejection of proposal to expand African club competitions Jul 13, 2026
-
World Cup 2026: Kylian Mbappé expresses disappointment after France’s semi-final defeat Jul 15, 2026
