World Cup 2026: Ferran Torres extra-time strike sinks Argentina as Spain win second title

Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time as Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 to claim their second FIFA World Cup trophy, ending Lionel Messi’s hopes of a second world title.

Spain secured victory in a dramatic final after a tense contest that remained goalless for 105 minutes before Torres produced the moment of magic that separated the two football giants.

The victory adds another major honour to Spain’s recent resurgence under head coach Luis De La Fuente, who guided La Roja to the 2024 European Championship title.

Spain are #FIFAWorldCup Champions. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/mWLw5iis2C

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 19, 2026

Martinez heroics keep Argentina in the contest

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a superb individual display to frustrate Spain throughout the final, making several crucial saves to keep his side alive.

Spain had the first clear opportunity in the fifth minute when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal found space inside the penalty area, but his effort was directed straight at Martinez.

After the break, Spain continued to apply pressure, with Torres coming close in the 67th minute. The forward rose above Argentina’s defence to meet a well-delivered cross, but Martinez reacted comfortably to deny his header.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper was again called into action in the 81st minute, making an excellent save to stop Aymeric Laporte’s header from finding the bottom corner.

Argentina reduced to 10 men before extra-time battle

Spain continued searching for a breakthrough as the match entered its final stages.

Nico Williams came close in stoppage time when he produced a curling effort from the edge of the box, but Martinez once again made a smart save to preserve Argentina’s hopes.

Argentina’s challenge became even harder moments later when Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card in the 90th minute following a reckless challenge, leaving the defending champions with 10 players.

Despite being a man down, Argentina continued to resist Spain’s attacking pressure, with Martinez making another outstanding stop to deny Yamal’s free-kick in the eighth minute of added time.

Torres delivers Spain’s World Cup-winning moment

Spain thought they had finally broken the deadlock shortly after extra time began, but the goal was ruled out after a foul in the build-up.

However, La Roja found the breakthrough moments later.

In the 106th minute, Nico Williams won the ball and delivered a header over Argentina’s defence, allowing Ferran Torres to react quickly and fire into the back of the net to give Spain a 1-0 lead.

Spain have added another star above their crest 🌟#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/sFvm9NE2Lz

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 19, 2026

Argentina pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Spain’s defence held firm to secure the biggest prize in international football.

Torres appeared to have scored again in the 114th minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside after the assistant referee raised his flag.

Spain join football’s elite with second World Cup triumph

The victory means Spain have now won the World Cup twice, adding the 2026 title to their first triumph in 2010.

Argentina remain ahead of Spain with three World Cup trophies, but their hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the title have ended.

For African football fans watching across the continent, the final represented another reminder of the growing global influence of technically gifted players and modern tactical approaches, with Spain’s possession-based style once again delivering success on football’s biggest stage.

De La Fuente’s achievement further strengthens his legacy after adding a World Cup crown to the European Championship title he won two years earlier.