Spain crushes Argentina to win 2026 World Cup

Spain — Argentina — 1:0 (after extra time)

Goal: Ferran Torres, 106.

Pre-match show

Before the starting whistle, world-class stars took to the pitch at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Jennifer Hudson performed the US national anthem. After her, the official FIFA anthem was performed by a trio — Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Laura Pausini.

And finally, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise took the stage to deliver an inspiring speech about the World Cup's ability to unite people. After him, the national anthems of Spain and Argentina were performed live, and the main stars of this evening took to the pitch.

Photo: Pre-match show

Photo: Pre-match show

Photo: Pre-match show

Spain's control, but few chances

The start of the match was completely dominated by the Spaniards – La Furia Roja confidently controlled the ball, stunned their opponent with pressing, and constantly forced the Argentines into mistakes.

From this control came the first shot on goal – in the 5th minute, Olmo cleverly turned in the center of the pitch and created a chance for Yamal. But Lamine's shot was confidently saved by Emiliano Martínez.

After that, the game opened up briefly, and both teams created chances through pressure in transition. However, the next shot on goal had to wait almost until the very end of the half – an Argentine defensive error set up Oyarzabal in a scoring position, but his shot didn't come off.

Trump watches 2026 World Cup Final with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.pic.twitter.com/VUhc6TJyv8

— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 19, 2026

Interesting events were happening not only on the pitch – at one point, the cameras showed the presidents of the US and FIFA in the stands. And right at that moment, the World Cup trophy was brought to Donald Trump.

Mini-Super Bowl at halftime

FIFA had previously announced the halftime show of the final – it lasted about 11 minutes, as promised. During this break, Madonna (accompanied by Ronaldinho and Ronaldo), the band BTS, Justin Bieber, and Shakira performed.

In addition to these headliners, there was also room in the stadium for Nigerian musician Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 children's choir, featuring the band Coldplay. Characters from "Sesame Street" and "The Muppet Show" also popped up here and there, along with actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt. They appeared in their roles from the football series "Ted Lasso."

Photo: The halftime show of the final

Photo: The halftime show of the final

Photo: The halftime show of the final

Photo: The halftime show of the final

Photo: The halftime show of the final

Enzo's self-removal, pressure from La Furia Roja

In the second half, the picture of the match hardly changed – Spain controlling the ball and the game. Argentina's national team tried to play on the counter, but chances only arose near the Albiceleste's goal.

Eloquent statistics at the 67th minute – zero shots on goal for Argentina (Statistics – FIFA)

But what is worth noting is the gradual increase in fouls on the pitch. Leandro Paredes, who came on at halftime, sparked the game and received a yellow card within a few minutes.

But it wasn't him who saw a red card – it was Enzo Fernández. The Argentine midfielder received his first yellow card for talking to the referee, and his second for a harsh foul on Pau Cubarsí. So ultimately, the Albiceleste entered extra time with a man down.

Enzo received a red card a few minutes before the end of regular time (Photo: FIFA)

Fateful extra time

During the additional 30 minutes, Spain's pressure did not let up. And in the 106th minute, this pressure bore fruit – Nico Williams laid it off to Ferran Torres, and La Furia Roja's forward beat Emiliano Martínez.

In the final minutes, the Argentines managed to get a few shots off, including one on target. But they failed to score. And the final whistle confirmed it – Spain became world champions for the second time in history!