Spain Edge Argentina 1-0 After Extra Time to Clinch Second FIFA World Cup Title
Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a tense and dramatic final that stretched to 120 minutes of football plus stoppage time, with the decisive goal arriving in extra time.
The keenly contested final at the New York New Jersey Stadium saw both sides cancel each other out during regulation time, forcing the encounter into an additional 30 minutes after 90 minutes ended in a goalless stalemate.
Spain, who dominated possession and created the better scoring opportunities throughout the contest, finally found the breakthrough in the 106th minute when substitute Ferran Torres unleashed a clinical left-footed finish beyond Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to send the Spanish supporters into wild celebrations.
Argentina, seeking to become the first nation in more than six decades to successfully defend the World Cup, struggled to impose themselves offensively and were reduced to 10 men late in the contest after Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second bookable offence. Despite a spirited late push, Lionel Messi’s side failed to find an equaliser as Spain held firm until the final whistle.
The triumph secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, adding to their maiden success in South Africa in 2010, and capped an outstanding tournament in which they displayed tactical discipline, attacking flair and defensive solidity.
For Argentina, the defeat ended their dream of retaining the trophy won in Qatar in 2022, while Spain’s victory marked the end of an impressive campaign that saw them overcome Austria, Portugal, Belgium, France and finally Argentina en route to football’s biggest prize.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
