Olushola Omogbehin
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end in a battle-like contest between Spain and the defending champion, Argentina in New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Defeating Argentina 1-0 in the extra time, the victory ended Spain’s 16-year wait for football’s biggest prize after their 2010 victory in South Africa.
As the only goal of the Game on Sunday was scored by Ferran Torres, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made great effort to prevent more goals
The game was goalless throughout the regulation 90 minutes in spite of Spain dominance for long periods and creating the better scoring opportunities.
Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, made several attempt to impose themselves and penetrate Spain’s defence but were frustrated by the South American side.
Argentina’s task became even more difficult as the match changed colour in second-half stoppage-time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received the second yellow card and was sent off.
The victory moment came to Spain in the 106th minute when substitute Ferran Torres calmly and precisely used Nico Williams assist to unlock the Argentine defence and generated the only goal in the game.
Throughout the remaining time, Spain defended decisively through Mikel Merino who prevented Lionel Messi effort, while goalkeeper Unai Simón and the Spanish backline comfortably dealt with Argentina’s aerial attacks at the last minutes.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina fought their way through the knockout rounds, coming back from the dead against Egypt and recovering from a goal down to beat England in the semi-finals.
The victory for Spain is a great development in the country’s football history, with head coach Luis de la Fuente guiding his side to World Cup glory after already leading them to European Championship success.
As the final match watched by a global audience and featuring a star-studded half-time show, brought the 2026 FIFA World Cup to an end, Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike will be remembered as the goal that restored Spain to the summit of world football.
