KUCHING: Spain are kings of world football once again.
Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike proved the difference as Spain edged Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday (July 20 MYT) to lift the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy and claim their second World Cup title, 16 years after their triumph in South Africa.
It took 106 minutes to separate the two footballing giants in a tense and fiercely contested final. After 90 minutes failed to produce a goal, Torres finally broke Argentina’s resistance when Pedro Porro’s cross was brilliantly kept alive by Nico Williams, who nodded the ball back across goal for the Spanish forward to lash emphatically into the roof of the net.
The goal was no more than Spain deserved after dominating much of the contest. Luis de la Fuente’s side dictated possession throughout the evening, repeatedly forcing Argentina onto the back foot as the defending champions struggled to impose themselves on the final.
For Argentina and Lionel Messi, it marks a heartbreaking end to their title defence.
The 39-year-old was bidding to become the first captain since Cafu to successfully defend the World Cup and add one final chapter to his remarkable international career, but La Albiceleste were unable to find an answer after falling behind in extra time.
Spain’s triumph completes a remarkable resurgence for a nation that had not won a World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2010.
Led by Ballon d’Or favourite Rodri, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and a new golden generation, La Roja went unbeaten throughout the tournament to reclaim football’s greatest prize.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 began 39 days ago with 48 nations chasing immortality. After 105 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States, it ends with Spain standing alone at the summit of world football.
Today, La Roja are world champions once more.
