Spain wins World Cup for the first time in 16 years! Defeats Argentina 1-0 after a grueling extra-time battle... Messi's 'Last Dance' ends with no back-to-back titles [World Cup Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

The "Invincible Armada," Spain's national football team, has claimed the title of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

Led by Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain (ranked second in the FIFA rankings) defeated Argentina (ranked first) 1-0 after a tense extra-time battle in the final held at New Jersey Stadium in New York, USA, on the 20th (Korea time).

With this victory, Spain reached the pinnacle of the World Cup for the second time in its history, 16 years after winning the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Along with France and Uruguay, Spain is now tied for fifth place with the most World Cup titles.

After securing their first-ever World Cup title in 2010, Spain faced a downward trend, exiting early in the group stage of the 2014 Brazil tournament and in the Round of 16 during both the 2018 Russia and 2022 Qatar tournaments.

However, Spain was widely regarded as a strong contender for the title even before the tournament began, thanks to its so-called golden generation led by prodigy Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona), born in 2007, ultimately reaching the final without any setbacks.

Despite dominating the match with a commanding 15-0 advantage in shots during regular time against Argentina, Spain relied on Ferran Torres's (Barcelona) decisive goal in extra time to claim the World Cup title.

On the other hand, "defending champions" Argentina, aiming for back-to-back titles and their fourth overall championship following their 2022 Qatar victory, bowed their heads after a lifeless performance that failed to create even a single shot on goal in the final.

Argentina not only managed zero shots throughout both halves of regular time but also found themselves at a numerical disadvantage due to Enzo Fernández's (Chelsea) red card in the dying moments of stoppage time, ultimately leading to their defeat.

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), whose participation in this tournament was effectively his last World Cup dance, concluded the competition with regret after failing to make a significant impact in the final.

On this day, Spain deployed a 4-3-3 formation led by Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), with Alex Baena (Atlético Madrid) and Lamine Yamal positioned on both flanks. Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain·PSG), Rodri (Manchester City), and Dani Olmo (Barcelona) formed the midfield, while Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid), Émerson Laporte (Athletic Club), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), and Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur) anchored the defensive line. Unai Simón (Athletic Club) guarded the goal.

Argentina countered with a 4-4-2 formation featuring Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid) as the striking duo. Nico González (Juventus), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernández, and Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami) formed the midfield. Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), and Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate) lined up in defense, with Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) as the goalkeeper.

Given the significance of the World Cup final, both teams approached the match with extreme caution. Although Spain maintained over 60% ball possession and controlled the game's tempo, they avoided reckless attacks that could leave them vulnerable to counterattacks. Argentina focused primarily on maintaining a solid defense and applying pressure, occasionally attempting long-range strikes through forward pressing, though Spain remained thoroughly prepared.

Following Lamine Yamal's shot in the fifth minute of the first half, neither team managed many shots for an extended period. Despite controlling possession, Spain struggled to create clear scoring opportunities until late in the first half when Oyarzabal and Cucurella attempted long-range efforts that all failed to trouble the goal. Argentina's counterattack attempts also yielded no results.

A injury scare emerged for Argentina late in the first half as starting center-back Lisandro Martínez was forced off due to injury, with Nicolás Otamendi (River Plate) hastily brought on as a replacement. The first half ended scoreless at 0-0, with Spain registering three shots compared to Argentina's zero.

Spain began aggressively targeting Argentina's goal in the second half. In the 19th minute, Dani Olmo's long-range shot from just outside the penalty area was saved by the goalkeeper, leaving Spain frustrated. Three minutes later, Ferran Torres's header following a cross from Lamine Yamal also went straight at the keeper.

Spain continued their offensive pressure, but subsequent long-range efforts from Pedri (Barcelona) and Cubarsí were repeatedly blocked by the Argentine goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Argentina struggled to break their streak of zero shots on goal. Although they appeared to exploit gaps in Spain's defense late in the match, their final passes fell short.

A red card incident occurred during stoppage time. Enzo Fernández, who had already received a caution earlier, was sent off after receiving a second yellow card following a challenge for the ball. In the dying moments of regular time, Lamine Yamal took a sharp left-footed free kick aimed at the goal but was denied by the goalkeeper. The match ended without goals, leading to extra time. Argentina failed to register even a single shot during regular time.

With a numerical advantage, Spain tried to break the deadlock. In the sixth minute of extra time, Nico Williams (Athletic Club) scored after finishing off a ball that had trickled into the penalty area, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul committed by Mikel Merino (Arsenal) in the preceding play.

Spain then used all their remaining substitutions, bringing on Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal) and Eric García (Barcelona). In the 12th minute of extra time, Merino headed a cross from the left flank that narrowly missed the target after slightly altering its trajectory.

The tense 0-0 stalemate was finally broken just before the one-minute mark of the second half of extra time. A cross from the right wing reached Williams, who headed it toward the goal, where Ferran Torres converted with a powerful left-footed shot to find the net. After 20 shots, Spain finally achieved their breakthrough.

Desperate Argentina launched a late counterattack, but it was insufficient to disrupt Spain's defensively superior and well-organized defense, which had already secured the upper hand. There was no turnaround. As the referee blew the final whistle, the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup concluded with Spain as champions.

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*This content was translated by AI.