Spain dethrone Argentina in extra time to lift 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy

Spain have been crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after edging Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic extra-time victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, ending the South American nation’s title defence and securing their second World Cup trophy.

A decisive strike from substitute Ferran Torres in the second half of extra time proved enough to separate the two sides after 90 minutes of disciplined defending, tactical battles and missed opportunities.

The victory marks Spain’s first FIFA World Cup triumph since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010, reaffirming the country’s status among international football’s elite and highlighting the success of a talented new generation led by Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Nico Williams and Ferran Torres.

Spain entered the final in impressive form after a series of commanding performances throughout the tournament and continued to dominate possession against Argentina. Luis de la Fuente’s side dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, patiently building attacks while limiting the defending champions to very few clear scoring opportunities.

Despite Spain’s dominance, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced several important saves to frustrate the European champions. He denied efforts from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo during regulation time, ensuring the match remained level despite sustained Spanish pressure.

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Argentina, seeking to retain the World Cup title they won in 2022, struggled to establish control in midfield and found it difficult to create meaningful chances for captain Lionel Messi and the attacking line. Spain’s organised defence successfully restricted Argentina’s movement and prevented the holders from finding their usual attacking rhythm.

The contest took another dramatic turn late in normal time when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card and was sent off after a mistimed challenge, forcing Argentina to play the remainder of the match with 10 players.

Even with a numerical disadvantage, Argentina defended resolutely and forced the game into extra time, where Spain continued to press for the breakthrough.

The decisive moment arrived early in the second period of extra time when Ferran Torres capitalised on a well-worked attacking move to fire the ball past Martínez, sparking celebrations among Spanish players and supporters.

Argentina attempted a late response, but Spain remained composed defensively and controlled possession during the closing stages to protect their slender advantage until the final whistle.

The victory completes an outstanding campaign for Spain, who combined defensive discipline, technical quality and attacking creativity throughout the tournament. Their triumph also reflects the emergence of a new generation of Spanish footballers capable of competing successfully on the biggest international stage.

For Ferran Torres, the winning goal capped an impressive tournament and further strengthened his reputation as one of Spain’s most dependable attacking players.

Meanwhile, the defeat ends Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation in more than six decades to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title. The final could also represent the last World Cup appearance for Lionel Messi, whose international career includes a World Cup title, multiple Copa América triumphs and numerous individual honours.

Spain’s latest success adds another major trophy to an already remarkable era for the country’s football programme and signals a bright future under a squad filled with emerging stars.

Spain dethrone Argentina in extra time to lift 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy

Mbappe breaks Lionel Messi’s record to become FIFA World Cup all-time top scorer

France captain Kylian Mbappe has made football history by becoming the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Lionel Messi’s long-standing record with another remarkable display at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mbappe reached the historic milestone after scoring twice in France’s thrilling 6-4 defeat to England in Saturday’s third-place playoff, taking his career World Cup tally to 22 goals. The achievement moved him one goal ahead of Messi, who has 21 goals and was due to feature in the tournament final for Argentina against Spain.

Although France failed to secure the bronze medal, Mbappe’s individual performance stole the spotlight as he continued his extraordinary run in football’s biggest competition.

After France went into halftime trailing 4-0, Didier Deschamps’ side produced a spirited response in the second half. Mbappe opened France’s scoring three minutes after the restart with a composed finish before Bradley Barcola added a second to reduce the deficit.

The French captain struck again in the 66th minute after a well-worked move involving Michael Olise, calmly finding the net to register his 10th goal of the 2026 World Cup and rewrite the tournament’s all-time scoring record.

The brace also strengthened Mbappe’s position in the race for the Golden Boot, extending his lead over Messi with one match remaining in the tournament.

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Beyond becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer, Mbappe also became the first player since Germany legend Gerd Müller in 1970 to score at least 10 goals in a single FIFA World Cup tournament, highlighting his dominance throughout the competition.

Football analysts have described the achievement as another landmark in the career of the Real Madrid forward, who has consistently delivered on the biggest stage since making his World Cup debut in 2018. His pace, clinical finishing and ability to perform in high-pressure matches have established him as one of the greatest players of his generation.

Despite Mbappe’s heroics, France could not complete their comeback as England held on to claim victory in one of the highest-scoring matches of the tournament.

With 22 World Cup goals already to his name and still in the prime of his career, Mbappe is widely expected to extend his record in future editions of the competition, setting a benchmark that could stand for many years.

Top five all-time FIFA World Cup goalscorers

1. Kylian Mbappe (France) — 22 goals
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 21 goals
3. Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 16 goals
4. Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil) — 15 goals
5. Gerd Müller (Germany) — 14 goals

Mbappe’s latest feat further cements his place among football’s greatest players and adds another chapter to an already remarkable international career. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws to a close, the French forward’s record-breaking exploits are set to remain one of the defining stories of the tournament.

Mbappe breaks Lionel Messi’s record to become FIFA World Cup all-time top scorer

Messi says facing Lamine Yamal in World Cup final after iconic baby photo is ‘crazy’

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described it as “crazy” that he will face Spain teenage star Lamine Yamal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, nearly two decades after an iconic photograph captured him holding the future football sensation as a baby.

The highly anticipated final has become more than just a battle for football’s biggest prize. It also represents a symbolic meeting between one of the greatest players in history and a teenager widely tipped to dominate the game for years to come.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Messi reflected on the famous photograph, saying neither he nor anyone else could have imagined that the baby he held during a charity event at Barcelona’s Camp Nou would one day become his opponent in a World Cup final.

“That picture with Lamine is incredible. Now we are facing each other in a final after a photo was taken of us when he was a baby. It’s just crazy,” Messi said.

The image, taken in 2007 by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort, was part of a UNICEF charity calendar organized alongside Barcelona-based newspaper SPORT. Yamal’s family had won a raffle that paired the infant with a then-20-year-old Messi for the photoshoot inside Camp Nou.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain teenage star Lamine Yamal as a baby

The photograph remained largely unnoticed for years before resurfacing in 2024 after Yamal’s father shared it on social media during the youngster’s breakthrough season. Since then, it has become one of football’s most iconic images, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

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Despite expressing admiration for Yamal’s remarkable rise, Messi made it clear that friendship and sentiment would be put aside once the final kicks off.

“We’ll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don’t put on a good one,” the Argentine captain joked.

Messi also described the Barcelona winger as one of the best footballers in the world despite being only 19 years old.

“He’s one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success, but we’ll try to keep him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, not just him. We have our own weapons too.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said Yamal has all the qualities needed to enjoy a long and successful career at the highest level.

“He’s a tremendous player. A global star. He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give it our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time.”

Sunday’s showdown has been widely described as a clash between football’s past, present and future.

Messi, now 39, is aiming to guide Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles after leading the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar four years ago. He enters the final in outstanding form, having scored eight goals and provided four assists during the tournament, while remaining tied with France captain Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.

For Yamal, the final marks another milestone in an extraordinary rise that has seen him become one of Europe’s brightest stars. After helping Spain win UEFA Euro 2024, the Barcelona forward has continued his impressive development, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

Football fans across the globe are eagerly anticipating the contest, not only because of the quality of both teams but also because of the unique story connecting Messi and Yamal.

The meeting between Argentina and Spain also carries added significance after the planned Finalissima between the Copa América and European champions was cancelled earlier this year due to the conflict in the Middle East.

As a result, Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final will serve as the first competitive meeting between the two continental champions, adding another fascinating layer to an already historic occasion.

For photographer Joan Monfort, who captured the unforgettable image nearly two decades ago, seeing Messi and Yamal now competing for football’s biggest prize feels almost surreal.

“The photo has exploded all over the world. Now this has culminated in the final between Messi and Yamal. It is better than any film script,” Monfort said.

With one iconic photograph connecting their past and the FIFA World Cup final set to define another chapter in football history, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal as they battle for global glory.

Messi says facing Lamine Yamal in World Cup final after iconic baby photo is ‘crazy’