Yamal, Spain, Beat Messi, Argentina, Top Match Stats & Highlights from World Cup 2026 Final Win

For the second time in their history, Spain are the World Cup champions. But it sure didn't come easy.

Ferran Torres' goal in the second period of extra time finally broke the dam, giving Spain a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup final.

The scoreline, or the fact that the game went to extra time, won't fully tell the story of just how dominant Spain were on Sunday.

The Spaniards held 65 percent of possession, out-shot Spain 20-2 (12-0 on goal), held an 1.94-0.22 advantage in expected goals and won nine corners compared to just four for Argentina. The Argentines didn't register a single shot until the second half of extra time.

Perhaps even more impressive than all of that was that Spain managed to render Lionel Messi a spectator for much of the match, turning the GOAT into a non-factor for much of the proceedings. Much like they did to France, Spain completely suffocated Argentina, controlling the game and slowly but surely squeezing the life out of their opponents.

Argentina held on for dear life for an admirably long time, but Spain's winner felt inevitable.

The first half was a rather cagey affair, with Spain dominating possession but only managing three shots. That was three more than Argentina had, however, as the holders didn't even manage a single corner in the first 45 minutes.

The second half—after a 27-minute break for FIFA's halftime show—got off to a bit of a scrappy start:

Somehow, despite being completely dominated, Argentina managed to force extra time. But they were left to fend off Spain down a man for the added 30 minutes, as Enzo Fernández was sent off in second-half stoppage time after picking up a second yellow.

Reaching extra time was a minor miracle—Argentina didn't have a single shot in regulation.

Spain had multiple chances in the first period of extra time and appeared to have the winner from Nico Williams, only for it to be called off due to a foul. And then Mikel Merino came oh-so-close to finally breaking the scoring drought but glanced his header just wide.

But eventually Spain found their moment of triumph off the foot of Torres. Argentina desperately tried to find an equalizer in the final moments, pressing everyone forward, but this time it was Spain who defended furiously and preserved their lead.

It was a well-deserved victory—Spain were unquestionably the best team at a brilliant World Cup. Sunday's win didn't come without drama, but the deserving team prevailed.