Spain beat Argentina in extra time to claim 2026 World Cup

Spain clinch 2026 World Cup with extra-time win over Argentina in New Jersey

Spain defeated Argentina after extra time in the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, coach Rodri lifted the trophy and Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, with Unai Simón claiming the Golden Glove after keeping seven clean sheets in the tournament.

Spain dominated possession with 65% in the final, produced an expected goals value of 1.94 and registered 20 shots, 11 on target. Argentina managed 464 passes versus Spain’s 852, while Emiliano Martínez made 11 saves, the highest number recorded by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final.

Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 90th minute following a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi; Fernández had received an earlier yellow for dissent. Argentina finished the match reduced to 10 men and became the first team in World Cup history not to register a shot in the first 90 minutes of a final, with their first attempt arriving in the 117th minute from Lionel Messi.

Rodri completed 101 passes and Pau Cubarsi completed 121, two of only three recorded instances of players completing 100 or more passes in a World Cup final. Cubarsi was named young player of the tournament and Lamine Yamal, aged 19 years and six days, became one of the youngest players to appear and win in a World Cup final.

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Spain combined extended possession and passing accuracy to control the final, conceding only one goal across the tournament and securing the title. Argentina’s approach included multiple bookings and a late red card that left them a player short at the end of regular time; post-match incidents between players followed the final whistle and prompted criticism from commentators and former players.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Spain won the 2026 World Cup in New Jersey with an extra-time goal by Ferran Torres.
• Spain had 65% possession, 20 shots and conceded only one goal in the tournament.
• Unai Simón won the Golden Glove with seven clean sheets; Emiliano Martínez made 11 saves in the final.