Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 20: Spain produced a disciplined and clinical performance to defeat defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, clinching their second world title in a thrilling summit clash that concluded early on Monday.
Rejecting reliance on individual brilliance, Spain once again proved that teamwork and tactical discipline can overcome star power. The Spanish side successfully neutralised Lionel Messi's influence throughout the match and ended Argentina's hopes of retaining the trophy.
The only goal of the final came in the 106th minute of extra time when Ferran Torres calmly slotted home with his left foot after connecting with Nico Williams' headed pass, sealing a memorable victory for Spain.
Spain dominated possession from the opening whistle, dictating the tempo through Rodri in midfield while Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Nico Williams repeatedly stretched the Argentine defence with swift attacking moves.
Spain nearly opened the scoring as early as the fifth minute when Yamal created a clear opportunity, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a brilliant save to deny the Spaniards.
Argentina struggled to create meaningful chances in the opening half, with Messi receiving little space or possession as Spain's defenders marked him closely. Defender Lisandro Martinez was shown a yellow card before suffering an injury, forcing Argentina to replace him with Nicolas Otamendi.
Spain intensified their attack after the break, continuously pressing the Argentine backline. Despite creating several opportunities, they were repeatedly denied by an inspired Emiliano Martinez, whose string of crucial saves ensured the match remained goalless at the end of regulation time.
Argentina suffered a major setback in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card, reducing the defending champions to 10 men heading into extra time.
Spain finally found the breakthrough in the second half of extra time. Nico Williams rose to head the ball into the path of Ferran Torres, who finished confidently into the net to hand Spain the decisive lead.
Argentina pushed forward in the closing minutes in search of an equaliser, but Spain's resolute defence stood firm and prevented any late comeback. At the final whistle, the Spanish players celebrated as they lifted the FIFA World Cup for the second time, further cementing their place among football's elite nations.
Ferran Torres was named the match-winner with his decisive goal, while Rodri controlled the midfield and Spain's defence delivered an outstanding performance in containing Messi and Argentina's attack throughout the final.
FIFA also announced a record prize pool for the 2026 World Cup, increasing the total tournament prize money to approximately Rs 6,306 crore, nearly 50 per cent higher than the previous edition.
World champions Spain received prize money of Rs 481 crore, while runners-up Argentina earned Rs 317 crore. Third-placed England were awarded Rs 279 crore and fourth-placed France received Rs 259 crore.
Teams reaching the quarter-finals earned Rs 182 crore each, those eliminated in the Round of 16 received Rs 144 crore, while every team knocked out in the group stage was awarded Rs 105 crore.