Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July. Ferran Torres scored in the second half of extra time to give Spain the lead, which eventually turned out to be the historic winning goal.
With this, Spain won the FIFA World Cup for the second time in history, with their first title coming in 2010. For Lionel Messi, it was a heartbreak in a World Cup final for the second time after Argentina had lost to Germany by the same margin in 2014.
Leandro Paredes kicks Gavi and Eric Garcia
Leandro Paredes lost his head after the match as he grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat while also punching Gavi.
Lamine Yamal hugs Lionel Messi ( Spain beat Argentina )
Spain’s boy wonder Lamine Yamal was seen hugging Lionel Messi and consoling his idol after the end of the match.
Lionel Messi in tears after repeat of 2014 final
After coming ever so close to lifting the World Cup trophy for what could have been the third time, Messi finished runners-up in yet another final, and the ‘GOAT’ was left in tears.
Second title for Spain
Spain won their second World Cup final after lifting the trophy previously in 2010. Andres Iniesta scored in extra-time back then.
Spain extend European dominance
Spain’s victory helped Europe extend their lead over South American countries as Europe teams won the FIFA World Cup a record 13 times, while South American countries have lifted the trophy 10 times.
Kylian Mbappe wins the golden boot
Thanks to his twin goals against England in the third-place match, France’s Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot for 2026 edition with 10 goals to his name.
Spain get historic ₹841 crore prize money
Spain dominate but first half ends goalless
That Spain had 20 shots on target in the whole match and Argentina only three, speaks volumes about how one-sided the match was. Spain started to establish their dominance in the first half of the match itself. The Spaniards looked compact in midfield and built attack after attack, continuously pushing Argentina on the back foot. Lamine Yamal came close to scoring in the opening part of the match but was denied by Emiliano Martinez.
Lamine Yamal came close to scoring for Spain in first half (Credits: Reuters)
Argentina, on their part, resisted all off Spain’s efforts and did not let any goal go in, despite a flurry of attacks. As good as their defense were, Argentina’s attack looked completely blunt and without any shape. Argentina did not have any shots on target in the first half, a stat that would remain intact till the 90-minute mark.
Dramatic second half sees Enzo Fernandez being sent off
The picture of the match did not change much even in the second half. Spain expectedly kept most of the ball and did not lose control of the tempo of the match. Argentina had few opportunities to attack and all their efforts were thwarted by the European champions.
Enzo Fernandez’ challenge on Pau Cubarsi (Credits: Reuters)
To add to Argentina’s woes, they were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez accumulated two yellow cards, with the second one being for a foul that sent Pau Cubarsi flying. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Argentina fought well to keep the scoreline at 0-0.
Nico Williams’ goal disallowed before Torres’ breakthrough
Spain thought they had the breakthrough in the first half of extra time when Nico Williams scored, but the goal was ruled out because of a foul in the build-up. But Spain got their much-deserved 1-0 lead when Ferran Torres scored in the second half of the extra time.
Nico Williams reacts after goal being disallowed (Credits: Reuters)
Torres pounced on the ball after Williams’ effort was deflected and he found the back of the net with an aerial strike that shattered Argentina hearts all over.
Ferran Torres scores Spain’s winning goal (Credits: Reuters)
Argentina, like they have done on a number of occasions, must have believed that they could pull off a comeback but it was not to be this time.
End of the road for Lionel Messi for Argentina?
Despite not making a mark in the final, Lionel Messi had an impressive World Cup campaign where he racked up eight goals. He was responsible for Argentina’s comeback across various stages in the tournament. Not to forget his hat-trick against Algeria, his first in World Cups.
But against Spain, Messi could not recreate the magic that kept Argentina’s World Cup dreams alive. At 39 years of age, Messi might have played his last match in a World Cup atleast, if not for Argentina. Follow Argentina vs Spain FIFA WC 2026 final highlights with Bhaskar English!
Updates
04:53 AM20 July 2026
That’s it from our coverage!
Thank you for sticking by our coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. It was a one-sided match with no goal in the first 90 minutes but Spain deservedly came out on top in extra time. Argentina had a memorable campaign but this time, they could not recreate the magic of Qatar despite Messi and E Martinez’s efforts. It was an incredible tournament and we thank you for enjoying our coverage. Good night.
04:52 AM20 July 2026
Lamine Yamal conquered Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo to become WC champion
Lionel Messi with Lamine Yamal after the match (Credits: Reuters)
In the round of 16, Spain beat Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo. In the semi-final, it was Spain beating Kylian Mbappe’s France. And in the final, it was a passing of the torch moment from Lionel Messi to Yamal.
04:29 AM20 July 2026
US President Donald Trump hands over trophy to Spain players
04:29 AM20 July 2026
Spain’s 2010 WC win had eerie similarities
Ferran Torres (Credits: Reuters)
An opposition player was sent off- Netherlands’ John Heitinga was shown a red card in extra time.
A goal by a Barcelona player in extra time– Andres Iniesta scored in the 116th minute to win Spain the World Cup, by a 1-0 margin.
04:12 AM20 July 2026
Is this Lionel Messi’s last match in an Argentina shirt?
Credits: X
Lionel Messi could not resist his tears as Argentina fans sang for him after the players collected their silver medals. The World Cup might have witnessed one of its best-ever players feature for the last time in the tournament. Messi gave it all but Argentina were bettered by a superior team today.
If this was Messi’s last match in an Argentina shirt, it truly marked the end of the greatest international football careers. But again, football fans would not want this to be the last time the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner played for Argentina.
04:10 AM20 July 2026
Rodri wins the Player of the Tournament award
Rodri (Credits: Reuters)
The Spanish captain played an influential role in his team’s title win and deserved this award. Last year, it was Lionel Messi who won this award.
04:09 AM20 July 2026
Unai Simon wins the Golden Glove!
Unai Simon (Credits: Reuters)
It was no surprise as to who was taking this honour. Unai Simon was an absolute rock for Spain between the sticks and emerged as the rightful winner of the Golden Glove. He conceded just 1 goal throughout the tournament, just 1!
04:05 AM20 July 2026
Pau Cubarsi wins Young Player of the FIFA World Cup 2026
The young defender came up against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and even Lionel Messi and played a crucial role in Spain winning this World Cup. What a run by the youngster!
03:57 AM20 July 2026
The England jinx at work again!
This might sound strange but is is true. In 2018, Croatia had to beat England to reach the final where they lost to France. In 2022, France beat England in the quarter-final and in the final, they lost to Argentina. In 2026, it was Argentina’s turn. They beat England in the semi-final but came up short against Spain in the final.
03:48 AM20 July 2026
Argentina keep getting haunted by goals in WC finals from substitutes
An aerial view of Ferran Torres’ goal vs Argentina (Credits: Reuters)
In 2014, it was Mario Gotze who came on and scored Germany’s winner against Argentina. Today, in a very similar fashion, it was Ferran Torres whose goal broke Argentine hearts.
03:45 AM20 July 2026
We might have seen the end of Lionel Messi at World Cups
At 39 years of age, Lionel Messi might have played his last-ever World Cup match. Not that he cannot play the next edition but by then, he would be 43. The chances of him appearing in the next edition of this tournament is unlikely.
03:39 AM20 July 2026
Argentina’s heroic campaign ends in final defeat
It has been a campaign Argentina could be proud of. Fending off a spirited Cape Verde, heroic comeback against Egypt and the late goals against England. Argentina have pulled off some of the most unreal comebacks in FIFA World Cup history but today, they were easily the second-best team.
03:32 AM20 July 2026
Spain beat Argentina to win FIFA World Cup 2026!
Spain have beaten Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 title! The European champions are now world champions and they have deserved to win this. It was a one-sided final with Spain dominating and in the end, they came out on top. A second World Cup title for La Roja!
03:29 AM20 July 2026
Desperate Argentina hope for one last chance
They have had a couple of corners and have failed to score. Giuliano Simeone had a shot from close range but he sent his strike wide.
03:27 AM20 July 2026
5 minutes added onto extra time now
03:20 AM20 July 2026
All eyes on Lionel Messi now
Lionel Messi (Credits: Reuters)
Argentina would be praying for Lionel Messi to do some magic here and keep them alive in this FIFA World Cup final. Argentina have not had any shot on target and it will take something from Argentina to get a goal today.
03:13 AM20 July 2026
1-0 to Spain as Ferran Torres scores!
Spain have the lead finally and it is a deserved one! Ferran Torres absolutely powered that shot into the goal with Emi Martinez not even in the picture. This surely has got to be it for Spain as after a lot of struggle, they have found a breakthrough!
03:09 AM20 July 2026
Half-time in extra-time!
Still there has been nothing to separate these two teams. We are now 15 minutes away from a penalty shootout something which Argentina would want.
03:07 AM20 July 2026
Lionel Scaloni also shown a yellow card now!
The Argentina head coach was furious that Cucurella was not given a yellow after he crashed into Simeone. For his dissent, he is shown a yellow card.
03:04 AM20 July 2026
Mikel Merino misses a sitter
The header was right there for him to score of but Merino has missed it entirely. Argentina somehow are still alive.
03:03 AM20 July 2026
Julian Alvarez subbed out; Marcos Senesi comes on
Lionel Scaloni has made a defensive change, taking out the no 9 in Julian Alvarez and replacing him with defender Senesi. Lionel Messi remains the only attacking player for Argentina on the pitch now.
02:58 AM20 July 2026
Nico Williams scores but the goal is disallowed!
Nico Williams’ disallowed goal (Credits: Reuters)
Williams drills the ball into an empty net, but the referee was quick to blow the whistle. The referee seems to have noted what seemed to be a foul on Otamendi but the exact reason of the decision was not revealed.
02:55 AM20 July 2026
Williams comes close to scoring!
But he has been denied by Emi Martinez, who has been at his best today. He has single-handedly kept Argentina alive in this contest.
02:54 AM20 July 2026
Truly shocking stat for Argentina- they become first time to have no shot in a FIFA World Cup final
02:52 AM20 July 2026
Extra-time starts in New Jersey
02:45 AM20 July 2026
Lamine Yamal’s free-kick saved by Emi Martinez!
Lamine Yamal drilled in a powerful shot but Emi Martinez was upto the task. Spain got a corner but could not make the most of it. The match will head into extra-time.
02:42 AM20 July 2026
Enzo Fernandez shown red card for fouling Cubarsi
Enzo Fernandez has been shown a red card here. The Argentina midfielder was involved in a tough challenge on Pau Cubarsi and he will have to leave the field. Cubarsi was sent flying by Enzo and Argentina continue to slide into further trouble.
02:38 AM20 July 2026
4 minutes of added time
With no goal so far, 4 minutes have been added to the clock. This match seems to be headed towards added time.
02:34 AM20 July 2026
8 saves by Emi Martinez today
Emiliano Martinez (Credits: Reuters)
The Argentina goalkeeper has not had a good time thus far as per his standards but today he has had to do a lot of work today.
02:30 AM20 July 2026
Yellow card for Enzo Fernandez
02:29 AM20 July 2026
One magic moment will determine the winner here
With Argentina being resolute in defense and Spain continuing their barrage of attacks, it seems increasingly likely that this final will be determined by one moment of magic.
02:22 AM20 July 2026
Olmo, Baena taken off by Spain
Dani Olmo and Alex Baena are coming off for Mikel Merino and Nico Williams
02:22 AM20 July 2026
WATCH | Fans in Keralam at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium to watch screening of FIFA WC final
02:18 AM20 July 2026
No shot for Argentina so far and we have crossed 70 minutes!
Enzo Fernandez (Credits: Reuters)
This shows a lot about Argentina’s attack which has not had much to do. Spain have been so good and compact as a team and it has been difficult for the champions to break the Spaniards.
02:18 AM20 July 2026
2 more substitutions for Argentina now
Giuliano Simeone and Facundo Medina have been brought on by Lionel Scaloni to add spark to his team today. Cristian Romero, who started Argentina’s comeback against Egypt, was subbed out due to injury.
02:16 AM20 July 2026
Second hydration break now
Lionel Messi (Credits: Reuters)
Although they have not had a goal thus far, Spain would be happy with how this phase of play has progressed. They have continued to look threatening and are putting the Argentine defense under immense pressure.
02:15 AM20 July 2026
Ferran Torres with the best chance of the match
It was a corner from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres headed it from right in front. But Emi Martinez did well to collect the ball and thus prevented any danger.
02:11 AM20 July 2026
Dani Olmo with a thunderous shot and Spain get a corner!
Dani Olmo’s shot was not collected well by Emi Martinez and it resulted in a Spain corner. But Argentina, as they have done so far, managed to avoid danger. Spain are building up attack-after-attack but to no avail.
02:09 AM20 July 2026
Torres and Pedri on for Mikel Oyarzabal and Fabian Ruiz
Ferran Torres and Pedri have been brought on by Luis de la Fuente in place of Mikel Oyarzabai and Fabian Ruiz.
02:07 AM20 July 2026
Spain get a free-kick from a dangerous position
This came after Paredes fouled Pedro Porro.
02:05 AM20 July 2026
WATCH | Fans in Kolkata enjoy Argentina vs Spain final
02:04 AM20 July 2026
Montiel prevented danger for Argentina
Montiel kicked the ball away before Cucurella could do anything about it inside the Argentina box but moments later, was subbed out with Nahuel Molina taking his place. So 3 substitutions already for Argentina. None for Spain.
01:59 AM20 July 2026
Paredes shown yellow card for pushing Dani Olmo
The tension seems to be rising between these two teams. Leandro Paredes, who was brought on to boost Argentina’s midfield for pushing Rodri. As the players gathered to confront each other, Paredes pushed Olmo down.
01:57 AM20 July 2026
Argentina brought on Leandro Paredes at half-time
Nico Gonzalez has been subbed out and this is a tactical change by Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina head coach. Paredes’ entry will strengthen Argentina’s midfield.
01:53 AM20 July 2026
Second half is underway!
Argentina players coming out onto the pitch (Credits: Reuters)
And Emi Martinez saves Alex Baena’s shot which was on target.
01:49 AM20 July 2026
Not the start Messi would have hoped for in this FIFA World Cup final
01:40 AM20 July 2026
Shakira’s performance is on at the half-time show
Shakira performing at FIFA WC final half-time show (Credits: Reuters)
01:33 AM20 July 2026
Half-time show starts; Madonna’s performance with Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho Gaucho
Credits: Reuters
Justin Bieber and BTS also performed at the show, much to the delight of the fans. Bieber was introduced by Ted Lasso in a unique presentation.
Credits: Reuters
01:32 AM20 July 2026
WATCH | Internet sensational Speed performs at FIFA World Cup closing ceremony
01:30 AM20 July 2026
Argentina with no shot on target so far
Argentina have not been sharp enough in attack, no shot on target thus far.
01:26 AM20 July 2026
HT | Argentina 0-0 Spain
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal (Credits: Reuters)
The half-time whistle is blown and the score reads 0-0. Although no goal has been scored so far, Spain have seemed to be the better of the two teams. They have looked threatening on the attack but Argentina have not further fallen behind.
01:23 AM20 July 2026
4 minutes was added to the first half
Cristian Romero in action against Lamine Yamal (Credits: Reuters)
01:21 AM20 July 2026
First substitution of the match as Nicolas Otamendi replaces Lisandro Martinez
The Manchester United defender could not continue due to injury and his role in the final is now over. Nicolas Otamendi has been brought on and his experience will surely be of importance in his high-octane clash.
01:19 AM20 July 2026
Cucurella’s shot goes wide!
The Spanish left-back unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box but the hit went wide.
01:16 AM20 July 2026
Lisandro Martinez sees the first yellow card of the final
Referee shows yellow card to Lisandro Martinez (Credits: Reuters)
The Argentina defender took down Mikel Oyarzabal, stopping a Spain counter-attack and the referee flashed the yellow card in quick time.
01:13 AM20 July 2026
Lamine Yamal looking deadly on the right
The 19-year-old is repeatedly causing trouble for Argentina left-back Nicolas Tagliafico. He has looked the most threatening to score.
01:06 AM20 July 2026
Action resumes after the first hydration break
Both teams expectedly seem desperate for a breakthrough.
01:03 AM20 July 2026
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal shared a moment before the match
(Credits: Reuters)
01:01 AM20 July 2026
Argentina 0-0 Spain; first hydration break
12:59 AM20 July 2026
Argentina looking more threatening on the counter
Spain on the other hand, are looking much more in control. They are coming up with co-ordinated attacks but so far, Argentina have not faced any serious threat.
12:50 AM20 July 2026
Corner for Spain
But it yields no result for the Spaniards with Cristiano Romero evading danger. This final has all the makings of a classic one, much like how it panned out in 2022.
12:48 AM20 July 2026
Unai Simon’s quick thinking prevented an Argentina chance
Unai Simon’s last-ditch effort evaded goal from Lionel Messi (Credits: Reuters)
12:40 AM20 July 2026
Lamine Yamal so close to scoring for Spain!
Lamine Yamal close to scoring vs Argentina (Credits: Reuters)
This match has already gotten off to an electrifying start! Lamine Yamal pounced on a pass from Dani Olmo inside the box but was denied by Emi Martinez. Argentina’s defense evaded danger and Argentina almost hit back on the counter, only for Unai Simon to stop that effort.
12:39 AM20 July 2026
Argentina keeping most of the ball
Action during the match (Credits: Reuters)
Argentina are dominating possession at this point but it will be interesting to see if they can keep competing with Spain in the same respect. Spain are known for their famous ‘tiki-taka’ style of play which is known for maintaining possession and putting in short passes.
12:36 AM20 July 2026
Match underway!
12:36 AM20 July 2026
Lionel Messi oldest player to start a FIFA World Cup final
The Argentine great has another record to his name as he enters the field today at the age of 39 years and 25 days old.
12:33 AM20 July 2026
US President Donald Trump at MetLife Stadium today to watch FIFA WC final
US President Donald Trump in the house (Credits: Reuters)
12:30 AM20 July 2026
National anthems underway now
Credits: X
12:29 AM20 July 2026
Check confirmed Argentina vs Spain playing XIs
12:28 AM20 July 2026
Players are out on the field
The players from Argentina and Spain are out in the middle with the FIFA World Cup trophy in the middle. The national anthems will soon take place. Not much time left now for the action to resume!
12:26 AM20 July 2026
Spain eye first WC crown since 2010
Spain on the other hand, will look to win the World Cup for the second time. Their first and only title came in 2010 when a goal by Andres Iniesta helped La Roja beat Netherlands 1-0 in the final. This will also be their second appearance in the summit clash.
12:26 AM20 July 2026
Argentina aim for back-to-back titles
Argentina would hope to clinch a second consecutive World Cup title, after winning the crown back in 2022. Lionel Messi’s Argentina are three-time winners of the FIFA World Cup with their first two titles coming in 1978 and 1986.
Argentina could also become the third team to win back-to-back titles after Italy in 1934 and 1938. Brazil became the second team to do so, winning the titles in 1958 and 1962.
12:25 AM20 July 2026
Argentina vs Spain head-to-head
There’s truly nothing to separate these two teams when it comes to head-to-head records. Argentina and Spain have faced each other for a total of 14 times. Both teams have won six matches each, while two have ended in draws.
12:20 AM20 July 2026
Guess whose feet these are?
12:19 AM20 July 2026
This is the first time Argentina and Spain meet each other in a FIFA World Cup final
Argentina and Spain will face each other for the first time in the World Cup since 1966. Their last meeting ended in a 2-1 win for Argentina.
12:10 AM20 July 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 final match details
Match: Argentina vs Spain Date and Time: 20 July, Monday; 12:30 AM IST Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey Where to watch: Unite8 Sports (live telecast), Zee5 (live streaming) Where to follow: Follow live updates on Bhaskar English App
12:08 AM20 July 2026
Hello and welcome to the live coverage of Argentina vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 final
Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina vs Spain. Argentina will eye a fourth World Cup title while for Spain, it would be a second title if they get to that mark. Stay tuned as we bring you live updates from the match including scores and commentary!
