Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time Sunday to win the 2026 World Cup, with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal in the 106th minute at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The result gave Spain its second World Cup title and denied Argentina a chance at back-to-back championships. The final capped a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico that began June 11 and drew record attendance across North America.
Nineteen-year-old Lamine Yamal played a central role in Spain’s title run in his World Cup debut, helping guide the team past a talented Argentina side built around Messi in what may be the veteran forward’s final World Cup appearance. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry both said the loss should not diminish Messi’s legacy, and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has since hinted at a possible departure from the national team.
Spain midfielder Rodri was named the tournament’s best player and awarded the Golden Ball, while France forward Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals across France’s eight matches.
England claimed third place in one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches, beating France 6-4 in a third-place playoff behind a Bukayo Saka hat trick, according to FIFA.com.
President Donald Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino to present the trophy following the match, part of the tournament’s closing ceremony.
The final drew a global television audience and closed out what organizers have called the largest World Cup in history, expanded to 48 teams for the first time.
