Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win their second FIFA World Cup, denying Lionel Messi a fairytale farewell. Ferran Torres scored the decisive winner in the 106th minute after Pedro Porro's delivery and Nico Williams' flick-on. Spain completed the tournament with just one goal conceded and six clean sheets, underlining their defensive dominance. Argentina's hopes faded after Enzo Fernandez was sent off before extra time, although goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced several crucial saves. VAR disallowed a Nico Williams goal and another Torres strike for offside. Messi created one final chance for Marcos Senesi, whose close-range effort was brilliantly blocked before the final whistle.

Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, sealing Spain's 2nd World Cup title and completing a remarkable Euros-World Cup double under coach Luis de la Fuente. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made a record 11 saves in a World Cup final to keep his side in the contest, but Spain finally broke through. Argentina also played extra time with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off. The defeat ended Lionel Messi's hopes of retaining the World Cup crown. (PC: NDTV)

Lionel Messi was left heartbroken after Argentina's FIFA World Cup title defence ended with a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 final. The 39-year-old captain broke down in tears after the final whistle as supporters around the stadium applauded and chanted his name in tribute to one of football's greatest players. Messi fought until the end but could not prevent Argentina from losing after Ferran Torres scored the winner in extra time. Despite the defeat, Messi created history by becoming only the 2nd player to appear in 3 FIFA World Cup finals and the oldest outfield player to play in one. (PC: X)

Spain completed a memorable FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by sweeping the tournament's top individual awards after defeating Argentina in the final. Midfielder Rodri was named Player of the Tournament and received the Golden Ball following a series of commanding performances. Goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Golden Glove after keeping 7 clean sheets and conceding just 1 goal throughout the competition. Defender Pau Cubarsí, 19, was named Best Young Player for his outstanding displays during Spain's title-winning run. The trio capped Spain's dominant tournament, helping La Roja lift their 2nd FIFA World Cup trophy with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina. (PC: X)

Spain's FIFA World Cup 2026 celebrations were briefly overshadowed by an ugly confrontation after their 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium. As Spain's substitutes and staff rushed onto the pitch to celebrate, a scuffle broke out involving players from both teams. Broadcast footage appeared to show Argentina's Leandro Paredes throwing punches, while Rodri confronted him before teammates stepped in. Reports also suggested Nahuel Molina was involved during the altercation. Officials restored order after the brief clash. The incident came moments after Spain secured their 2nd World Cup title with Ferran Torres' extra-time winner.

Spain won the FIFA World Cup for the 2nd time after beating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. The match ended goalless after 90 minutes before Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute from Nico Williams' assist. Argentina's hopes suffered a major blow when Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time of normal time after receiving 2 yellow cards. Despite late pressure, Lionel Scaloni's side could not find an equaliser. Tempers flared after the final whistle as Leandro Paredes was shown a red card. Spain added World Cup glory to their European title.  (PC: FIFA)

Argentina survived sustained pressure from Spain as the FIFA World Cup 2026 final remained goalless in the second half at New York New Jersey Stadium. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a series of crucial saves to deny Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and other Spanish attackers, keeping Lionel Messi's side in the contest. Spain created several clear chances after the break, while a heated confrontation between players resulted in Argentina's Leandro Paredes receiving a yellow card. Argentina also suffered an injury setback after Lisandro Martinez was forced off in the first half, with the score still locked at 0-0. (PC: X)

United States President Donald Trump's visit to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final caused long security delays outside New York New Jersey Stadium before Spain faced Argentina. Fans, journalists and stadium staff waited for hours as enhanced security checks and road closures slowed entry. FIFA had advised media to arrive up to 6 hours before kick-off and fans at least 4 hours early. Malfunctioning ticket scanners added to the delays, while several accredited media members were initially denied entry and redirected to the accreditation centre. Despite the disruptions, most supporters had entered the stadium before the World Cup final began. (PC: Al Jazeera)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is underway at MetLife Stadium in New York, with defending champions Argentina taking on European champions Spain. Lionel Messi starts what could be the final World Cup match of his career, aiming to lead Argentina to back-to-back titles. Spain's 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal also begins the match, hoping to become one of the youngest World Cup winners in history. The final follows a colourful closing ceremony featuring Post Malone. Both teams named their strongest line-ups as football's biggest prize and several historic milestones are on the line.  

Lionel Messi is set to make history when Argentina face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in New York. The 39-year-old will play his third World Cup final and could become the first player to start 3 finals. A goal would make him the oldest scorer in a World Cup final and place him among the few players to score in 2 finals. Messi is also chasing the Golden Boot and several scoring records. If Argentina win, he will become the first captain to lift the World Cup twice and help his country secure a second straight world title.