Spain rules the world again after beating embarrassing Argentina in tournament final

Spain rules the world again after beating embarrassing Argentina in tournament final - World Cup 2026

Spain coach, Luis De La Fuente lifts the trophy as the oldest head coach at the World Cup finals to lift the trophy after Spain's 1-0 extra time win over Argentina on Sunday. (Photo credit: BBC)

Barcelona forward Ferran Torres blasted home the winner as Spain edged reigning champions Argentina 1-0 in a tempestuous World Cup final that saw Enzo Fernandez sent off for a rash tackle of Pau Cubarsi.

Argentina secured their spot in the final for the second consecutive tournament after defeating England in the semifinal, but the Lionel Messi-led Albiceleste's lackluster performance in the final revealed an inferiority complex.

Spain stepped onto the pitch on Sunday night at the MetLife Arena, hoping to recreate what they achieved in 2010. 

It was a win that was built on defensive solidity with no goals conceded by the Spaniards in the knockout phase.

After the shocking start to the tournament, where La Roja was held to a goalless draw by tournament debutant and darling of many, Cape Verde, Spain went on to convincingly dispatch teams, with the highlight of their greatness coming in their 2-0 win over Les Bleus in the semifinals.

Argentina filed out on Sunday, hoping to defend for the entirety of the game. 

Argentina hoped to hit a smash-and-grab late on with the introduction of Gigi Simeone, but Spain cut out all outlets and stifled Lionel Messi, limiting him to the flanks.

Spain coach Luis De La Fuente rang changes late on, bringing on Martin Zubimendi and Ferran Torres. 

It was the latter who made the difference in the first minute of the second half of extra time with a crisp finish that took everything out of the Argentines.

"The goal belonged to 47 million people," Torres said. "It wasn't just mine or the 26 players. Destiny was written, and it was meant for us to win far away from our people." Torres was filled with joy as he ran the whole length of the pitch at full time.

Spain was clearly the better side, with Emiliano Martinez making eleven saves in the game, the most in a World Cup final. 

It is worthy of note that Argentina didn't have a single shot in the game, the worst return of any country at the finals.

Despite not giving much away about his future after the defeat, Argentina captain Lionel Messi was full of praise for the Spaniards. "I feel sad," said Messi, who was moved to tears after receiving his runner-up medal and staring into the crowd at Argentina supporters. "They were better, to be honest."

"I feel sadness knowing that we left everything out there," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "I have a lot of things to say about how we got here, but it's not worth it. I want to thank these guys eternally for giving us another World Cup final and for competing until the end.

"They were better, that's the truth. But I'll cherish an enormous memory of this group and what they've done, of what it's worth to get this far."

Rodri won the Golden Ball, while Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot with ten goals, two ahead of Messi. Pau Cubarsi won the young player of the tournament, and Unai Simon won the Golden Glove.