Spain battle past 10-man Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win 2026 World Cup

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing its staff and wire agencies, reported that Spain won the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, beating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, giving Spain its second men’s World Cup title and its first since the 2010 triumph sealed by Andres Iniesta against the Netherlands.

The final turned after Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card shortly before the end of regulation for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side with 10 players. Spain had controlled much of the match and, according to the report, had taken 20 shots before finally breaking through. The goal came when Pedro Porro delivered a cross, Nico Williams headed the ball back into the area, and Torres finished past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made 11 saves.

The result adds to Spain’s recent international record: Al Jazeera reported that La Roja have now won the European Championship and World Cup in consecutive tournaments for a second time. The report also said Spain became the first World Cup winner to concede only once across the tournament. Luis de la Fuente, 65, was described as the oldest coach to guide a team to the title.

For Argentina, the defeat ended a run of major tournament victories that included the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup. Lionel Messi, 39, finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, but Spain limited his influence in the final. Scaloni acknowledged after the match that Spain had been the stronger side while emphasizing Argentina’s achievement in reaching the final.