Ferran Torres fires Spain past 10-man Argentina to win second FIFA World Cup title

Ferran Torres struck an extra-time winner as Spain edged 10-man Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, dramatically clinching their second world title.

Torres broke the deadlock early in the second half of extra time, scoring on the rebound to help European champions lift the World Cup trophy after 16 years.

Pedro Porro sent the ball to the back post and Nico Williams kept it alive, nodding down into the space. Torres lashed it into the roof of the net for a super finish.

At 65 years old, Spain's Luis de la Fuente has become the oldest World Cup-winning coach, while Argentina's 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi became only the second player to feature in three World Cup finals and also the oldest outfield player to play in a final.

Argentina's task became even tougher when Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time, reducing the defending champions to 10 men just before extra time.

Fernandez chased down a loose ball and clattered into Pau Cubarsi. It was a silly challenge from the midfielder, who was booked earlier in the simulation match.

Emi Martinez made one of the best saves of the match when he dived to his left to deny Lamine Yamal's well-struck free-kick just before extra time.

Argentina’s star centre-back Lisandro Martinez was forced off during the first half due to injury. 

Martinez was substituted in the 44th minute, with 38-year-old Nicolas Otamendi replacing him.

The Argentines were toothless in attack and did not have a shot on or off target for 115 minutes.

The South Americans were striving to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, while Spain were eyeing a second title after their maiden victory in 2010.

US President Donald Trump was also among the 80,000-strong crowd in East Rutherford - the first game he has attended in the tournament.