Spain vs. Argentina Live World Cup Final 2026 Updates, Scores and Highlights

Spain has been crowned world champions for the second time after a 1-0 victory over Argentina courtesy of Ferran Torres.

La Furia Roja were by far the better team throughout the 2026 World Cup final, typically dominating possession. However, they were frequently frustrated by an inspired performance by opposition goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. 

That resistance was finally broken in extra time by Torres, who converted in the 106th minute. Nico Williams did so well to get on the end of a deep Pedro Porro cross, heading the ball back into a dangerous area. The Barcelona forward did the rest, firing home with the Aston Villa keeper brutally exposed. 

While Argentina put the fear in Spain as the clock ticked down, it ultimately came to nothing. In the end, La Albiceleste mustered just two shots against the Europeans during the entire game, with none on target. 

Argentina's rearguard resistance proved effective with little going on up front, but things got much tougher for La Albiceleste when Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 93rd minute for wiping out Pau Cubarsí. 

It was then a case of survival in extra time, and while they did well to stay in it during the first period, Spain came out with intent at the start of the second, getting the goal its performance deserved. 

Lionel Messi, in what is likely his final ever World Cup appearance, was practically anonymous, generally looking like a passenger and only coming to life when the game looked all but lost. His team didn't do him many favors throughout the contest, and he couldn't turn the match in his favor on his own.

By comparison, his heir apparent, Lamine Yamal, was electric, by far the most dangerous player on the pitch from the opening minute until the last. As passing-of-the-torch moments go, this was particularly blatant.

Spain is now world and European champion, and we could be witnessing another dynasty similar to the legendary 2008-2012 team.

That was the chance for Argentina

What a reaction from young star

FERRAN FOR THE LEAD

Excruciatingly close from Arsenal midfielder

Player of the game by far

Rush of blood here and Cheslea midfielder sees second yellow

But we STILL have no goals in the World Cup final

We are STILL scoreless in NY/NJ

Argentina holding on with score 0-0

Lots of tension in this World Cup final

First time for everything!

The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is delicately poised at 0-0, with both teams evenly matched heading into halftime.

A mad sequence in the fifth minute saw Lamine Yamal through on goal twice, with his first effort taking a deflection before Emiliano Martínez saved, and the 19-year-old deciding to cut back with the second opportunity, which the Aston Villa goalkeeper smothered.

Seconds after that, Lionel Messi was sent scurrying towards goal with only Unai Simón to beat, but the Athletic Club goalkeeper had a good starting position and was able to intercept. 

Mikel Oryarzabal had a great chance from the edge of the box in the 39th minute, but Martínez comfortably saved to his left. Just before the break, Marc Cucurella had a left-footed shot from distance drift inches past the post. 

Spain has tried to enforce its passing game while Argentina has employed its typical roughhousing, and unsurprisingly, La Furia Roja look the more likely to break the deadlock.

Not a ton else to report so far in this first half.

Just innocent men

Game is warming up a bit now...

From the bathtub to the World Cup final

Barça star nearly finishes from in tight

Let's do thisssssssss

Brazilian legend pays homage to Messi/Lamine pic 📸

Pop star taking no sides for final

Unreal moment for Leo in final

His third World Cup final

Pedri on bench, Alvarez starts

NBA star ready for a hate watch

2026 has DELIVERED. And it's not over.

Yamal takes it back ahead of final

Hollywood star goes full World Cup in latest film promo

Colapinto and Sainz don the colors

Huge crowds expected for the final

Surely not...

Unreal story about to come to a head

Fans have a whole lot to feast on for years

Time to pick the names who showed up this summer

Fans have their say