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Spain 1-0 Argentina — World Cup 2026 Match Report
Spain 1-0 Argentina (Final): match report, key moments and what the result means, for Canadian readers.
Written by Mike Thompson
Sports editor · Hockey, NFL, NBA & soccer markets
Updated: July 20, 2026 · 2 min read
Now I have enough detail to write a well-sourced report. Spain are World Cup champions once again after grinding down Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with substitute Ferran Torres providing the decisive touch deep into the additional 30 minutes. It capped an ill-tempered, defence-dominated final that saw Lionel Messi’s Argentina reduced to 10 men before La Roja finally found a way through.
How the Match Unfolded
The final kicked off behind a starry pre-match ceremony, and once the football began it settled into a cagey, low-event affair. Once the football actually began, Spain looked to control the ball and force Argentina to chase the game, with the South American giants mostly restricted to their own half and looking to make it a physical battle. Chances were scarce all night — chances were at a premium, with just three shots at goal in the entire first half, all by Spain, with Argentina yet to register an effort , and Mikel Oyarzabal tested Martinez on 39 minutes with a shot from just outside the box .
The second half offered brief sparks of quality — Marc Cucurella surprised Argentina by turning and firing from well outside the box, catching Emiliano Martínez out of position — but the scoreline stayed level through 90 minutes and into extra time. Spain’s control never really wavered, yet Argentina’s rearguard, marshalled superbly by Martínez, refused to break until the deadlock was finally shattered early in the second period of extra time.
Key Moments
The turning point arrived when Argentina were reduced to 10 men. Having only just received a yellow card for dissent towards the referee, Fernández then flew into a late, reckless challenge on Spain’s Pau Cubarsí and was sent off for a second yellow card. That numerical disadvantage proved decisive, with the ESPN match report noting the game turned in Spain’s favour once that dismissal was shown deep into stoppage time.
Down a man, Argentina’s resistance finally cracked in extra time. Thirty-nine seconds into the second half of extra time, Ferran Torres thumped in an 8-yard shot, and La Roja finally shattered 10-man Argentina’s spirit to claim the win.