Substitute Ferran Torres scored an extra-time goal in the 106th minute as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
The victory denied Lionel Messi a second consecutive World Cup title in his final appearance for Argentina.
Historic Records and Dominance
With this victory the Spain set a world record by extending their undefeated run in men's international football to 38 matches and surpassing Italy's previous record of 37. Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated the tournament and becoming the first team to win a World Cup while conceding only a single goal with racking up seven clean sheets across eight matches.
Major Tournament Awards
Spain swept the tournament's individual honors:
Golden Ball (Best Player): Rodri (Spain) Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Unai Simón (Spain) Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí (Spain) Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Kylian Mbappé (France 10 goals)
Lionel Messi claimed the Silver Ball and Mbappé took the Bronze Ball. Spain midfielder Rodri praised his team's resilience and calling the victory "the hardest feat to achieve."
