The 2026 World Cup is complete. Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the July 19 final, lifting the men's World Cup for the second time after their 2010 triumph.
Final: Spain 1-0 Argentina
The final was played at New York New Jersey Stadium and stayed scoreless through 90 minutes. In extra time, Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card, tilting the match further toward Spain.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute, converting Spain's pressure into the decisive moment. Spain controlled long stretches of the match, while Argentina struggled to create clear chances until very late.
The win puts Spain among the multiple winners of the men's World Cup and completes a rare cycle with the country also holding the women's World Cup title.
Semifinals and bronze match
| Date | Match | Result | Note | |------|-------|--------|------| | July 14 | France vs Spain | 0-2 | Spain reached the final | | July 15 | England vs Argentina | 1-2 | Argentina rallied to advance | | July 18 | France vs England | 4-6 | England took bronze | | July 19 | Spain vs Argentina | 1-0 | Spain won after extra time |
England and France produced a 10-goal third-place match, with Bukayo Saka scoring a hat trick in England's 6-4 win. Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France and finished with the Golden Boot on 10 goals.
After the final
Spain's campaign was defined by defensive control, midfield authority and late-game composure. Argentina could not repeat as champion, and the final likely closed Lionel Messi's World Cup career at age 39.
With all 104 matches complete, the expanded 48-team World Cup has officially closed. Spain now carry a European Championship-to-World Cup winning cycle, while Argentina, France and England turn toward the next reset.
Sources: AP final report, AP final live updates, Guardian final live, AP bronze match report