Ferran Torres scores 106th-minute winner to defeat Argentina at MetLife Stadium
The 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a thrilling conclusion on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the defending champions, Argentina were defeated 1-0 in extra time by La Roja (Spain). A sell out crowd of 80,663 fans watched as La Roja dominated the field throughout the match both with possession of the ball and with their tactics, resulting in outshooting Argentina 20-2. The match had an intense extra time since neither of the sides managed to score any goals during the first 90 minutes. Spain’s impenetrable defence shined once again in the final, finishing a historic tournament performance in which it allowed only one goal across eight matches — setting a record for the fewest goals conceded by a World Cup champion. It all came down to the 106th minute, when substitute striker Ferran Torres capitalized on a ball that bounced in the penalty area after his teammate Nico Williams had headed it. Torres fired a left-footed volley that went just under the crossbar, beyond the reach of the Argentine goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, which led to great celebrations in the Spanish dugout.
“It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said.
It was indeed an incredible tournament for Torres, who was declared the Man of the Match after scoring the winner in the final.
Despite Spain having the initiative going forward offensively, Argentina maintained their competitiveness largely due to an extraordinary individual performance from Martínez. The experienced goalkeeper made 11 saves during the game, setting a record number of saves in a World Cup final. Martínez made crucial saves which included a diving save on a 22-yard free kick from 19-year-old winger Lamine Yamal. Nevertheless, Argentina suffered a huge setback toward the end of regular time, after midfielder Enzo Fernández was issued his second yellow card due to a reckless challenge against Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí. This forced Argentina to play the entire extra-time duration with 10 players.
The victory carries a historic significance in the world of international football. Spain has become the first country in the history of international soccer to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s World Cup titles, following the women’s team victory in 2023.Moreover, the success has helped Spain break the previous European record by winning 38 consecutive games. As for Argentina, the final brought a memorable end to the tournament under the leadership of Lionel Messi, who claimed the Silver Boot after recording eight goals throughout the competition.
As the final whistle blew in East Rutherford, the field was littered with confetti, and the Spanish team lifted the trophy for the second time ever in the country’s history. The 2026 World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, ended with Spain being crowned champions of the soccer world, establishing a new reign of dominance through young talents and extraordinary defence.
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