Spain are back on top of world football after edging Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike sealing a memorable triumph at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
While the scoreline suggests a closely contested affair, Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the final from start to finish, suffocating the defending champions with relentless pressing, slick passing and tactical discipline.
Argentina failed to register a single shot during the 90 minutes of normal time, a testament to Spain’s defensive organisation and midfield superiority.
Enzo Fernandez’s red card tilted the contest even further in Spain’s favour before Torres finally found the breakthrough in extra time to deliver La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title.
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Spain Player Ratings vs Argentina
Here is how Spain’s players rated in a historic victory.
Unai Simon – 6/10
The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper had a surprisingly quiet evening. His biggest contribution came early on when he reacted quickly to prevent Lionel Messi from breaking through on goal. After that, Argentina rarely tested him, with Spain’s backline shielding their goalkeeper brilliantly throughout the final.
Pedro Porro – 7/10
Porro produced another energetic display on the right flank. Defensively, he handled Argentina’s attacks comfortably and recovered possession well whenever danger threatened. Going forward, he constantly stretched the Argentine defence with overlapping runs, and his excellent delivery into the box eventually led to Ferran Torres’ winning goal in extra time.
Pau Cubarsi – 8/10
The young Barcelona defender looked completely unfazed by the biggest match of his career. Cubarsi barely put a foot wrong, reading the game superbly and dealing comfortably with Julian Alvarez whenever called upon. His anticipation forced Enzo Fernandez into the reckless tackle that resulted in Argentina being reduced to ten men, while a vital late block helped preserve Spain’s narrow advantage.
Aymeric Laporte – 7/10
Laporte delivered another commanding performance at the heart of Spain’s defence. Calm in possession and dominant in aerial duels, he marshalled the backline expertly alongside Cubarsi. His tactical foul on Messi late in the game earned him a yellow card but prevented a dangerous counterattack, showing the experience that has been so valuable throughout Spain’s World Cup campaign.
Marc Cucurella – 7/10
Cucurella enjoyed an excellent evening both defensively and offensively. Argentina rarely threatened down his side, allowing the left-back to push high up the pitch and support Spain’s attacks.
He nearly capped his performance with a goal after flashing a shot narrowly wide and remained one of Spain’s most reliable outlets throughout the contest.
Rodri – 8/10
Rodri once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the finest midfielders in world football. The Manchester City star dictated the tempo from the centre of the park, constantly recycling possession, intercepting loose passes and breaking up Argentina’s attacks before they could develop.
His intelligence and composure allowed Spain to dominate possession, making him the heartbeat of another world-class team performance.
Dani Olmo – 6/10
Olmo linked Spain’s midfield and attack intelligently and almost created an early opener with a clever lay-off for Lamine Yamal. Although he did not produce a decisive contribution in the final third, his movement between the lines and ability to retain possession helped Spain maintain complete control of the match.
Fabian Ruiz – 6/10
Ruiz quietly went about his work in another disciplined midfield display. His crisp passing and positional awareness helped Spain dictate possession for long spells, while his work rate without the ball ensured Argentina struggled to build attacks through midfield.
Lamine Yamal – 6/10
Yamal remained Spain’s biggest attacking threat during the opening stages. He was unfortunate not to score early after Lisandro Martinez blocked his effort, while Argentina frequently doubled and even tripled up to stop the teenage sensation. Although he was quieter than usual, his movement constantly forced Argentina’s defence onto the back foot.
Mikel Oyarzabal – 6/10
Oyarzabal found opportunities difficult to come by against Argentina’s compact defence. He managed one effort from distance that tested Emiliano Martinez but otherwise sacrificed his attacking game by working tirelessly off the ball, helping Spain press aggressively from the front.
Alex Baena – 6/10
Baena enjoyed plenty of possession on the left but struggled to produce a decisive final ball. Nevertheless, he combined well with Cucurella and contributed to Spain’s dominance by maintaining width and stretching Argentina’s defensive shape.
Substitutes
Ferran Torres – 8/10
Torres once again proved why he has become one of Spain’s most dependable impact players. Despite seeing little of the ball after replacing Oyarzabal, he remained patient and alert inside the penalty area. His movement was perfectly timed as he met Nico Williams’ headed pass before producing a composed finish beyond Emiliano Martinez to score the goal that secured Spain’s place in football history.
Pedri – 7/10
Pedri brought fresh energy to Spain’s midfield after coming on and immediately helped raise the tempo. His passing remained sharp, his positioning was outstanding and he ensured Spain never lost control as Argentina faded physically in extra time.
Mikel Merino – 7/10
Merino made an instant impact with his aerial presence and physicality. He was unlucky to see a goal ruled out during one attacking move and should perhaps have scored when he headed wide from a brilliant Nico Williams delivery. Even so, he played a major role in Spain’s dominance during the closing stages.
Nico Williams – 8/10
Williams transformed Spain’s attack after his introduction. His pace, direct running and willingness to take on defenders immediately stretched Argentina’s tiring backline. He saw one goal ruled out and created another excellent chance for Merino before finally delivering the decisive contribution, brilliantly winning the aerial duel and heading the ball into Torres’ path for the winning goal. His impact changed the final.
Martin Zubimendi – 6/10
Replacing Rodri is never an easy task, but Zubimendi slotted into midfield seamlessly. He kept possession moving and maintained Spain’s structure as they closed out the match comfortably.
Eric Garcia – 6/10
Garcia was introduced to reinforce the defence during the closing stages. With Argentina fading after going down to ten men, he handled everything that came his way calmly and helped Spain see out the victory without any late scares.
Coach Luis de la Fuente – 9/10
Spain Manager Luis De la Fuente produced a tactical masterclass worthy of a World Cup-winning coach. Spain dominated possession, denied Argentina space to attack and controlled every phase of the game with remarkable authority.
His substitutions proved decisive, with Nico Williams setting up Ferran Torres for the winning goal. It was a performance that reflected Spain’s identity throughout the tournament and confirmed La Roja as deserved world champions.