How a young and cohesive Spain took down Lionel Messi’s Argentina

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that Spain won the 2026 World Cup by beating defending champions Argentina in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, completing a major turnaround from a scoreless opening draw against Cape Verde 34 days earlier. Luis de la Fuente’s team claimed Spain’s second men’s World Cup title with a controlled performance that limited Argentina’s attack and ended with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute.

According to the report, Spain’s run was built on defensive control, midfield authority and a young squad that improved through the tournament. La Roja conceded only once, remained unbeaten, and extended their overall unbeaten streak to 38 matches. In the final, Al Jazeera said Spain had 65 percent possession, while Argentina managed only two shots across 120 minutes and none on target. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off after a second yellow card in stoppage time.

The article highlighted the role of Spain’s younger players, including 19-year-olds Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, 23-year-old Pedri and 24-year-old Nico Williams, who assisted the winning goal. Mikel Oyarzabal led Spain with five goals, while Mikel Merino scored late winners against Portugal and Belgium. Yamal scored once, appeared in every match and won a penalty in the semifinal against France.

Al Jazeera framed the title as evidence of Spain’s growing cohesion under de la Fuente, whose side also beat France 2-0 in the semifinal by controlling midfield and limiting chances for stars such as Kylian Mbappe. The result leaves Spain as both European and world champions, with a young core positioned for future tournaments.