Spain are champions of the world for the second time after Ferran Torres fired a 106th-minute winner to beat 10-man Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday night.

The goal, arriving less than a minute into the second half of extra time, crushed Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back FIFA World Cups. It also ended Lionel Messi’s dream of a fairytale farewell, with the Argentine great playing in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup at the age of 39.

Millions of Malawian football fans stayed up well past midnight to watch the drama unfold, with the final kicking off at 9pm Malawi time before stretching into the early hours of Monday. A public poll by Malawi24 correctly predicted a Spanish victory, with readers overwhelmingly backing La Roja to defeat Argentina and lift the World Cup.

Argentina played the final half-hour with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time. Spain dominated the contest, registering 19 shots to Argentina’s none during the first 90 minutes, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a string of remarkable saves to keep the defending champions alive and set a new record for the most saves in a World Cup final.

The night was packed with drama. Nico Williams had a goal ruled out after a foul in the build-up, while Torres was later denied a second by the offside flag. At the other end, Mikel Merino threw himself in front of a late Messi effort to preserve Spain’s lead before requiring treatment.

Spain’s triumph adds a second star above La Roja’s crest after their historic victory in South Africa in 2010 and crowns a golden generation led by 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, who lifts his first World Cup just two years after helping Spain win UEFA Euro 2024.

Beyond the trophy, the night felt like football’s changing of the guard. Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players the game has ever seen, appeared to pass the baton to 19-year-old Lamine Yamal. The symbolism was impossible to ignore. In 2007, Messi famously bathed baby Yamal during a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot organised with Barcelona.

The iconic 2007 UNICEF fundraising photo of Lionel Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal with the emotional embrace between the two after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, a moment many fans described as football coming full circle.

Nineteen years later, the teenager lifted the World Cup as Messi’s final title dream slipped away—a moment many fans described as football coming full circle. Even UNICEF later reflected on the remarkable connection: “Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world”.

United States President Donald Trump, representing one of the tournament’s three host nations, joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino to present the World Cup trophy to Spain. Trump had earlier praised Argentina after their semifinal victory over England, but his appearance alongside Infantino at the final drew a mixed reception, with both men reportedly booed during the presentation ceremony.

Key facts

• Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.
• Spain lifted their second World Cup title after their first triumph in 2010.
• Argentina finished the final with 10 players following Enzo Fernández’s dismissal.
• United States President Donald Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino to present the trophy to Spain.
• Trump had earlier praised Argentina following their semifinal victory over England.
• The tournament ended amid renewed calls for Infantino to step down following several controversies.
• Malawi24 readers had also said Infantino should leave office after the World Cup.
• The final was widely seen as football’s changing of the guard from Lionel Messi to Lamine Yamal.
• Messi famously bathed Yamal as a baby during a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot organised with Barcelona in 2007.

The reaction came amid growing calls for Infantino to step down following a World Cup marred by controversies over political interference, ticket prices, immigration restrictions and FIFA’s handling of disciplinary decisions. European lawmakers also called for an ethics investigation after FIFA overturned the suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun following Trump’s intervention.

Malawi24 readers had also made their feelings clear before the final, with many saying Infantino should leave office once the tournament ended.