Spain Edges Argentina 1-0 in Extra Time to Claim 2026 World Cup

In a tense and largely uninspiring final, Ferran Torres finally found fortune in the 106th minute, netting the winner that gave Spain a 1-0 victory over Argentina at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The match was characterized by Spain’s suffocating control and tactical discipline, which effectively neutralized Lionel Messi and the Argentine attack.

Despite a heroic performance from Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made numerous key saves, Argentina’s resistance crumbled after Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in regular time following a second yellow card. From that point, Argentina struggled to hold out against Spain’s persistent pressure.

Torres, who had wasted several chances throughout the tournament and earlier in the match, finally delivered the decisive strike off an assist from Nico Williams. His goal came early in extra time, putting Spain ahead for good.

Final Score and Venue

Spain 1-0 ArgentinaMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJReferee: Slavko Vincic (Slovenia)

Starting Lineups

All ratings are out of 10.

• Unai Simon (GK) - 6: Reliable overall but struggled with long passes early on. Made few critical saves but stood firm when needed.
• Pedro Porro (RB) - 8: Consistently precise passing and solid defensively despite tight marking. Key to maintaining Spain’s right flank control.
• Pau Cubarsi (RCB) - 9: Outstanding on both ball distribution and defense. Led the team in touches and defensive actions.
• Aymeric Laporte (LCB) - 6: Less involved defensively due to Argentina’s limited attacks but completed many passes before being substituted.
• Marc Cucurella (LB) - 7: Provided width and attacking threats early, nearly scoring just before halftime.
• Rodri (CM) - 8: Dominated midfield battles, controlling Spain’s tempo and contributing defensively. Awarded the Golden Ball.
• Fabian Ruiz (CM) - 6: Solid but less impactful than prior matches, replaced after 60 minutes.
• Lamine Yamal (RW) - 7: Persistent threat with skillful touches, constantly challenged by defenders but created opportunities.
• Dani Olmo (AM) - 7: Active early with creative plays but lost influence as he dropped deeper.
• Alex Baena (LW) - 6: Played a supporting role, offering some midfield help but limited attacking success.
• Mikel Oyarzabal (ST) - 5: Struggled to convert chances and was substituted for a more direct striker.

Key Substitutes

• Pedri - 8: Energized the midfield with creativity and chances after coming on.
• Ferran Torres - 8: Redeemed earlier misses by scoring the winning goal in extra time.
• Nico Williams - 7: Constantly challenged defenders and provided the assist for the winner.
• Mikel Merino - 7: Helped maintain possession and forward momentum after coming on.

Coach Luis de la Fuente - 9

Kept the system intact after a dominant semifinal and orchestrated a relentless pressing style that stifled Argentina. His confidence in the squad paid off with the title.

Argentina Player Ratings

• Emiliano Martinez (GK) - 9: Brilliant saves kept Argentina alive, denying numerous clear chances.
• Gonzalo Montiel (RB) - 7: Defensively solid but exhausted early, leading to substitution.
• Cristian Romero (RCB) - 7: Strong defensively until injury forced him off late in the match.
• Lisandro Martinez (LCB) - 7*: Good defending early but left the pitch injured before halftime.
• Nicolas Tagliafico (LB) - 7: Physical and disciplined, successfully contained Spain’s threats on his side.
• Rodrigo De Paul (RM) - 5: Struggled playing out wide, replaced in the second half.
• Alexis Mac Allister (CM) - 4: Started well but faded, becoming ineffective as Spain dominated possession.
• Nico Gonzalez (LM) - 5: Defensive duties limited attacking impact, substituted at halftime.
• Enzo Fernandez (CM) - 2: Poor performance capped by a red card for a dangerous tackle late in the game.
• Lionel Messi (RF) - 4: Limited touches and involvement; unable to produce the magic that has defined his career.
• Julian Alvarez (LF) - 3: Nearly invisible and ineffective throughout the match, replaced late.

Substitutes Impact

• Nicolas Otamendi - 8: Stepped in strongly after injury but was caught out on the winning goal.
• Leandro Paredes - 7: Brought energy but couldn’t reverse momentum.
• Nahuel Molina - 6: Defended well one-on-one but overwhelmed by Spain’s overloads.
• Giuliano Simeone - 6: Tried to add width but missed a crucial chance late in extra time.
• Facundo Medina - 7: Solid defensive contributions in closing stages.

Coach Lionel Scaloni - 7

Faced with an impenetrable Spanish press, Scaloni’s options were limited. His decision to deploy Rodrigo De Paul wide backfired. Despite a valiant defensive effort, Argentina couldn't find a way through and fell just short of penalties.