Kathmandu, July 20: European football powerhouse Spain defeated defending champion Argentina to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming the prestigious title for the first time in 16 years. Spain had previously won the World Cup in 2010.
The final, played at New Jersey Stadium in New York, USA, remained goalless after the regular 90 minutes, forcing the match into extra time. Spain created several chances with dominant performance against Lionel Messi led Argentina.
Spain’s Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time, giving his side a 1–0 lead over Argentina. No further goals were scored, and Spain secured a 1–0 victory to lift the World Cup trophy.
Argentina were reduced to 10 men late in normal time after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card. Spain capitalized on the numerical advantage to score the winning goal in extra time.
Argentina had reached the final by defeating England 2–1 in the semifinals, while Spain booked their place in the title clash with a 2–0 victory over France.
