Argentina silenced as Spain show their class to become world champions

Spain showed their class against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final to win the title.

Heading into tonight’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States, Argentina’s priority was to defend the trophy. Spain, meanwhile, were aiming to win the tournament for the first time since the 2010 World Cup. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in tonight’s match.

Spain dominated possession in the first half as they sought to attack, while Argentina adopted a deeply defensive approach. Argentina failed to register a single shot in the match. Spain, meanwhile, squandered several chances.

Spain had two early chances. Their young star Lamine Yamal had two shots from inside the penalty area saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

Spain had two more chances towards the end of the first half. Argentina goalkeeper Martínez saved Mikel Oyarzabal’s shot from a Dani Olmo pass, while Marc Cucurella’s effort from outside the penalty area, following a pass from Fabián Ruiz, went just wide of the post.

Argentina suffered a setback when defender Lisandro Martínez had to be substituted through injury. Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi replaced him late in the half. The first half ended with neither side scoring.

Spain continued to look dangerous early in the second half. Argentina goalkeeper Martínez saved a shot from outside the penalty area by Álex Baena, as well as efforts from Dani Olmo and substitute Ferran Torres before the hydration break.

Spain looked even more dangerous after the hydration break. Pedri and Pau Cubarsí had notable chances in quick succession, but Argentina goalkeeper Martínez saved both efforts.

Spain had several more chances towards the end of the second half, including two notable opportunities in stoppage time. Argentina’s goalkeeper made alert saves to keep out free kicks from Nico Williams and Yamal.

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí in second-half stoppage time. With the match still goalless at the end of the second half, two halves of extra time were played to decide the outcome.

Spain scored to take the lead in the second half of extra time. Ferran Torres scored the goal, finding space inside the penalty area to finish from a Nico Williams pass. Argentina ended the match without registering a single shot on Spain’s goal.