The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina at the New Jersey stadium remained goalless at full-time, forcing the match into extra time (30 minutes). In the second half of extra time (the 106th minute), Ferran Torres scored to put Spain on the scoreboard which proved to be the deciding goal of the match.
No further goals were scored, and Spain won the match 1-0. It was a completely one-sided affair; Argentina never really appeared to be in the game. With this victory, Spain avenged a defeat suffered against Argentina 60 years ago—Argentina had beaten Spain 2-1 in the 1966 FIFA World Cup final. This loss also shattered Lionel Messi’s dream of winning back-to-back titles.
First Half Action
Spain, a team considered very strong heading into the match, could not overcome Argentina’s spirited resistance in this half and failed to score. Argentina also struggled to create chances during this period; the team spent most of the time trying to prevent Spain from scoring and attempting to penetrate Spain’s half with the ball.
Ball Possession
Spain dominated possession for the first 10 minutes of the match, while Argentine fans cheered their team on enthusiastically, keeping up a constant roar. During this spell, Lamine Yamal took a shot, but the ball deflected off an Argentine defender and was easily saved by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Subsequently, Argentina gradually began to gain a foothold in the game and troubled the Spanish side significantly. Argentina played a highly physical game, making it difficult for Spain to settle into a rhythm. Spain was unable to play its natural game during this half.
Second Half Began with a Substitution
Argentina made a substitution at the start of the second half. Defensive midfielder Leandro Paredes came on to replace winger Nico González. In the 50th minute, a heated exchange took place on the pitch between Spanish and Argentine players, resulting in the referee showing a yellow card to Paredes.
Spain also made two substitutions in the second half; Ferran Torres and Pedri replaced Mikel Oyarzabal and Fabián Ruiz. Ferran Torres and Pau Cubarsí made attempts on goal during the closing stages of the second half.
In the 90th minute, Enzo Fernández rushed towards Pau Cubarsí and committed a foul on the Spanish center-back. This was Enzo’s second yellow card, forcing him to leave the field. Argentina received a red card during stoppage time and had to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
