FIFA World Cup 2026 Finals LIVE Updates: Spain Crowned World Champions After Extra-Time Thriller Against Argentina

Spain are world champions once again. A 106th-minute strike from substitute Ferran Torres broke a stubborn deadlock to give Spain a 1-0 win over defending champions Argentina in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.

Far from one-sided, the match was a tense, tactical grind that went the distance. Spain dominated possession and chances but could not find a breakthrough in normal time, with Mikel Oyarzabal's 38th-minute effort among their best opportunities. Argentina, leaning on Lionel Messi's vision and Emiliano Martínez's heroics in goal, held firm and even threatened on the counter, with Messi setting up a string of half-chances late on.

The game turned in extra time when Argentina were reduced to 10 men, opening space for Marc Cucurella and Torres to press home Spain's advantage. Torres's finish sealed a title that caps an unbeaten tournament for Spain, who conceded just once across the entire competition, and secures their second World Cup crown since 2010.

For Argentina, it likely marks the end of Messi's extraordinary international career on the losing side, denying him a farewell lift of back-to-back titles. Martínez finished with 11 saves, a World Cup final record, in a losing effort.

Nineteen-year-old Lamine Yamal, tipped as Spain's rising star, played his part in a disciplined performance that underlined Spain's status as the tournament's most complete side.

Ferran Torres heads in the ball which came from Pedro Porro's cross to take the lead. Argentina are behind and awaits for a miracle.

Match enters the extra-time. After a challenge on Pau Cubarsi from Enzo Fernandez chasing down a loose ball, a silly challenge from the midfielder. Fernandez gave his team a huge mountain to climb from this.

We enter the second-half of the game, who will draw the first blood ? Spain is firm, Argentina awaits for their moment.

Madonna enters the arena alongside Brazil Legands Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario, BTS took the point and performed on their iconic songs. Meanwhile, a sight for the fans as Justin Beiber gave us a heartfelt performance. Half-Time closed in with who else but Shakira alongside Coldplay's Chris Martin with a performance to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund which aims to raise $100 million for children's education worldwide.

Spain dominated the possession in the first half and created enough chances on the spot. Argentina have defended well against them but still are in a tight spot. We move forward to second half but before them fans can await a half-time show before we enter the final minutes.

Spain lights up early as Argentina don't seem to get the ball away from the Spaniards. Lamine Yamal looks solid on the wing already, Messi looks for an opportunity.

The final kicks off.

Messi led the Argentines out on the field for warmups, with Spainiards start their own drill. Lamine Yamal and the rest of Luis de la Fuente's squad going through passing and shooting routines at the opposite end. With the closing ceremony winding down and kickoff approaching, both camps looked focused and they mean buisness. Just 15 minutes left for kickoff, both the teams will be ready for their showdown shortly.

ARGENTINA AND SPAIN have confirmed their starting lineups for the final. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has made no changes from the side that beat France 2-0 in the semifinal, once again preferring Fabian Ruiz over Barcelona's Pedri in midfield. Spain lines up as: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo, Rodri; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has shuffled his side after the dramatic 2-1 semifinal win over England. Gonzalo Montiel comes in at right-back ahead of Nahuel Molina, while Nico Gonzalez replaces Leandro Paredes. In perhaps the biggest surprise, Lautaro Martinez, who scored the winner against England, has been left out of the starting XI, with Julian Alvarez expected to partner Lionel Messi up front instead.

Messi is set to become the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup final, as Argentina chases a historic fourth title and back-to-back crowns, something no team has managed since Brazil in 1962. Spain, unbeaten and conceding just once all tournament, are aiming for their second World Cup title and a chance to hold both the men's and women's crowns simultaneously.

The lineup news comes as the closing ceremony, featuring IShowSpeed and Post Malone, plays out ahead of kickoff at MetLife Stadium.

THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL between Spain and Argentina will opened with two major live performances, one before kickoff and another at half-time as the tournament closes in at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

New York-New Jersey Stadium previously known as MetLife Stadium for the tournament, which can hold up to 82,500 spectators. The World Cup closing ceremony begins earlier, celebrating the 48 teams that competed across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Jennifer Hudson will sing the US national anthem just before kickoff.

American rapper-singer Post Malone will headline the closing ceremony, with performances from Italian singer Laura Pausini, American singer Nicole Scherzinger, British pop star Robbie Williams, and YouTube personality IShowSpeed. Actor Tom Cruise is also expected to make a special appearance. The ceremony is produced by Balich Wonder Studio, with FIFA promising more performers will be announced closer to the match.

The half-time show, a first for a World Cup final, will begin shortly after the 45 minutes half-time during match. It's expected to run around 11 minutes, though the interval itself could stretch to 20–25 minutes to allow the on-pitch stage to be built and removed. Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will headline, joined by Nigerian singer Burna Boy and Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, with New York's PS22 Chorus. The performance is curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for children's education worldwide.