Layout by: Bryan Lloyd Roxas
Published by: Mardin Rheyziel NungayDate Published: July 29, 2026
Time Published: 8:00 AM
Spain dethrones defending champion Argentina, 1-0 after overtime, seizing their second FIFA World Cup title at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, USA on July 20, 2026.
Barcelona striker Ferran Torres lashed out a convincing finish at the 106th minute mark to break Argentina's rock-hard defense in extra time, ultimately sealing Spain's second crown and ending their 16-year wait for another triumph.
The powerhouse contender unleashed a massive early control against Argentina who committed several fouls throughout the first half.
Spain however, stumbled and delivered a lopsided halftime, giving the Argentina strikers an opening to retaliate in the 39th minute.
Spain continued to probe for a potential opening but Mikel Oyarzabal failed to chip in against Emi Martinez with a low shot that the goalkeeper gathered easily in the 39th minute.
Pedri and Pau Cubarsi continued the offense, lashing out long-range shots that Martinez failed to grasp at the first attempt but Argentina stood their ground and remained composed.
But the arrival of substitutes Nico Williams and Mikel Merino revitalized Spain's lost momentum in the halftime, continuing their onslaught on the field.
The spanish dominance disheveled Argentina in 82nd minute mark after Ferran Torris and Rodri coined long-range shots, forcing Martinez into crucial saves.
The breakthrough came when spanish striker Ferran Torres slid a finishing goal at the 106th minute to give La Roja the decisive lead.
Argentina made a desperate last raid on the final minutes but La Roja's defense held firm to seal the team's triumph.
Argentina's defeat marked a devasting end to Lionel Messi as his dreams of being back-to-back world champion came to an end with his final World Cup bid at a runner-up finish.
After the final whistle, Spain's Lamine Yamal embraced Lionel Messi, showing his respect and sportsmanship towards the player.
In a post-match interview, Lamine said, "He's my goat, my idol, my everything. I went over to him and simply said, " I'm sorry. 'He congratuled me, and said "Congratulations, you deserve it even more", I gave him a kiss, hugged him, and tried to console him. "
The Red One's astonishing victory is Spain's second World Cup title and first after their historic 1-0 triumph in 2010 against Netherlands, ending their 16-year wait for football's greatest prize.
REFERENCE:
ABS-CBN Sports. (2026, July 20). Spain win World Cup after Messi's Argentina fall flat. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2026/7/20/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-world-cup-0628?fbclid=IwdGRjcATK6ZpjbGNrBMrpFGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHnOuIRjlAeaoKxyFfeaALSIQ_PaVVdcOXmqZYBcOxk5XO-PTySzT4xcx9jAa_aem_eFQdKiVCj6qBK_VLmVIY4A
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