FIFA 2026: Spain Beat Argentina To Be Champions For Second Time

 

Spain emerged as the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions, defeating Argentina 1-0 in a match that was extended to extra time before Ferran Torres netted the winning goal.

History repeats itself for Argentina, and it was a tough one to swallow for the team that burst into rage against the champions. Just as Diego Maradona had it in Italian '90, Lionel Messi's quest to defend the trophy back-to-back fell flat on its face. Spain dominated the game, leading to frustration and Julian Alvarez's red card. That was not to mention that the champions had two goals ruled out. 

After a goalless 90 minutes, the game stretched into extra time, and that was when Spain became even more lethargic. Spain had to have two near misses and a goal ruled out in the first 15 minutes. The second extra time was even more decisive, while Argentina barely had a shot on target. 

Lamine Yamal received the ball amidst challenges from two opponents. Instead of cutting into the right flank, he slipped the ball to Pedro Porro. The defender launched a lob into the six-yard box, reaching Nico Williams, who nodded the ball on to on-rushing Ferran Torres. In one touch, Torres steered the ball into the net, beating Emiliano Martinez. 

Spain remained unbeaten in two consecutive FIFA World Cup finals. In the 2014 edition, they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 to secure their first World Cup trophy. Interestingly, the match was decided in extra time and was a debut final appearance. On the other hand, Argentina were the defending champions, and thereafter, became the Copa America champions in 2024. 

Best Chances and Misses 

Spain, by a wide margin, dominated the match from start to finish. There were a handful of near misses, including Messi and Yamal's attempts. However, Merino, Torres, and Williams' near misses and the cancellation of Williams' goal were the thrilling, controversial moments of the game. 

Another great moment that should have put the game to bed was Torres' second goal that was ruled out for offside. He was offside by a slim margin, reacting too early to Yamal's through pass. Earlier in the first 15 minutes, Merino missed scoring from Williams' cross, with a glancing header that should have sunk the ball in the left corner. 

Argentina had a moment early in the closing minutes, with Meiss forcing a block from Merino with a goal-bound shot that struck him. The second time, he slipped a pass to Simeone, whose cut back from inside the box was blocked away from on-rushing Marcos Senesi. 

Dismissal and Tackles 

By fair margins, Argentina were physical and should have gotten more cards. It was the final, and the match was expected to be more open for both sides. Still, the referee's decision was fair, dishing out a red card to Alvarez for a yellow-card offense. He was careless with the tackle, despite being previously yellow-carded.