Argentina, who reached the summit four years ago, had to hand over the title. In the 2026 World Cup final, Spain beat Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey to become champions. While regular time and the first extra period ended goalless, Ferran Torres decided the match in the 106th minute; he sent the ball into the net from Nico Williams' cross to the far post. Messi and his teammates pressed for an equalizer but the result did not change.
For Spain, this is their second World Cup, following the historic triumph in 2010. The team, notable for its young squad, was rewarded with the trophy for the superiority they displayed throughout the tournament. In the day's earlier match, England beat France to secure third place; the first 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, thus concluded.