Spain battle past 10-man Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win World Cup

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Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Final – Spain v Argentina – New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. – July 19, 2026 Spain’s Ferran Torres celebrates scoring their first goal IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/James Lang

Spain needed an extra-time goal by substitute Ferran Torres to edge past 10-man defending champions Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup on Sunday.

• Torres broke the deadlock early in the second half of extra time, firing home on the rebound to give the European champions their second World Cup title.

• Argentina were down to 10 men when Enzo Fernandez was dismissed with a second booking in second-half stoppage time.

• The Argentines were toothless in attack and did not have a shot on or off target for 115 minutes.

• At 65 years old, Spain’s Luis de la Fuente became the oldest World Cup-winning coach.

• Argentina’s 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi became only the second player to feature in three World Cup finals and also the oldest outfield player to feature in a final.