Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the 2026 World Cup final. Ferran Torres scored the winner. Lionel Messi left in tears in his final World Cup appearance.
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Spain reclaimed football's biggest prize on Sunday, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
Ferran Torres' decisive strike in the 107th minute settled the contest, ending Argentina's title defense and handing Spain its second World Cup crown. The goal came from a quick counter-attack that caught Argentina's defense out of shape.
The defeat was especially poignant for Lionel Messi, who left the field in tears after collecting his runners-up medal. The 39-year-old had said before the tournament this would be his final World Cup appearance.
U.S. President Donald Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the medal and trophy presentation. The leaders of fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico also attended. Trump and Infantino were booed by sections of the crowd during the ceremony.
Beyond the game, the evening's biggest talking point was a Super Bowl-inspired halftime show. Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Burna Boy performed during an extended break curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin. The production ran 22 minutes, nearly three times the standard World Cup halftime.
Spain out-possessed Argentina 58% to 42% and created 14 shots to Argentina's 8. Goalkeeper Unai Simon made three saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The win gives Spain back-to-back World Cup titles after their 2022 victory in Qatar. The team's core of Torres, Pedri and Gavi is expected to remain intact for the 2030 tournament.
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