Spain are champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic final on Sunday, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal to end a 16-year wait for a second global crown.
Torres struck in the 106th minute, finishing brilliantly after a clever assist from Nico Williams to settle a fiercely contested final and hand La Roja their first World Cup triumph since their historic success in South Africa in 2010.
The victory capped a remarkable campaign for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who combined their trademark possession-based football with outstanding defensive discipline, conceding just one goal in seven matches throughout the tournament.
Argentina, seeking to retain the title they won four years earlier, produced a resilient performance despite spending the closing stages of regulation time with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence following a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez almost inspired another Argentine escape act with a string of magnificent saves that repeatedly denied Spain during normal time and the early stages of extra time.
However, Argentina’s numerical disadvantage eventually took its toll as Spain dominated possession before Williams broke through the defence and squared for Torres, who calmly slotted home the winning goal.
Led by captain Lionel Messi, Argentina had enjoyed another memorable World Cup campaign, defeating Egypt in the knockout stages before producing a stirring comeback victory over England in the semi-finals.
But they were unable to break down Spain’s organised defence as La Roja reclaimed football’s biggest prize for the first time since 2010.
De la Fuente salutes Spain’s historic achievement
An emotional Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente paid tribute to his players after securing the second World Cup title in the nation’s history.
“I feel especially proud of this generation of footballers who have grown with this idea… giving us an example of a group, of a family,” De la Fuente said.
“They are players with exceptional talent. For me, it has been an honour to have accompanied them on this journey.”
The 65-year-old, who previously guided Spain to the Euro 2024 title, reflected on the team’s remarkable success.
“I’m very emotional, looking back. We have won everything, and that is wonderful.
“They are a generation of footballers who are a source of pride for Spain. Together, we are stronger.”
Despite the narrow scoreline, De la Fuente believed his side deserved to settle the contest much earlier.
“I think the game should have been decided earlier. Dibu’s great saves prevented us from winning sooner, but it is a World Cup final and, even with ten players at the end, you have to suffer,” he added.
...Neymar Buys £17m Superyacht After Brazil’s World Cup Exit
Brazil superstar Neymar Jr. has completed the purchase of a £17 million superyacht following Brazil’s disappointing round-of-16 elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Norway.
The Santos forward’s new vessel, named “Enejota”—a phonetic reference to the Portuguese pronunciation of his initials “NJ”—is a fully refurbished cargo ship built in Brazil.
Stretching more than 46 metres in length and offering approximately 800 square metres of usable space, the yacht is currently docked in Angra dos Reis in Rio de Janeiro state. It is powered by four Caterpillar engines, each capable of producing 1,450 horsepower.
The purchase places Neymar among football stars who own luxury yachts, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who bought a £5.5 million yacht in 2020, and David Beckham.
The acquisition comes shortly after the 34-year-old announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway.
Neymar scored Brazil’s only goal in the defeat—his 80th and final strike for the Selecao—before confirming the end of his international career.
“I tried, I tried,” he told Globo after the emotional loss.
The luxury yacht now offers Neymar a private retreat as he begins life after international football, although neither the player nor his representatives have commented on whether the purchase signals a permanent step away from the spotlight.
