Photos: Spain beat Argentina to win second World Cup title

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing news agencies, reported that Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match was played on Sunday and the report was published on July 20, 2026. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute after Nico Williams set him up, giving Spain their second World Cup title after their 2010 triumph.

The final drew more than 80,000 spectators and was described as tense and tightly contested, with Spain controlling much of the play while Argentina relied heavily on goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Argentina’s task became harder when Enzo Fernandez was dismissed in the 93rd minute after receiving a second yellow card for a challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.

Lionel Messi, 39, led Argentina in what Al Jazeera noted may have been his final World Cup appearance. Argentina had been trying to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy, but Spain’s younger side ultimately prevailed. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged after the match that Spain had been the stronger team, while also praising his players’ run to the final.

The trophy presentation was attended by US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, with Al Jazeera reporting that Trump was booed as he entered the pitch. The photo report also showed contrasting scenes afterward: celebrations by Spain’s players and supporters in cities including Madrid, Barcelona and New York, and disappointment among Argentina fans in locations such as Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Kolkata.