20 July 2026 Fact Recorder
Sports Desk: Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time in a thrilling final played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.
After a tense 90 minutes and a goalless first half of extra time, Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 105th minute, scoring the only goal of the match to seal Spain’s historic victory.
The triumph marks Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, ending a 16-year wait since their maiden triumph in 2010.
For Argentina, the defeat ended hopes of defending the title they won in Qatar in 2022. The final is widely expected to be the last World Cup appearance of football icon Lionel Messi, bringing an emotional end to his remarkable World Cup journey.
The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, featured 48 teams and concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony and the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show. The entertainment lineup included performances by Post Malone, Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, Coldplay, Burna Boy and several other global stars.
Spain’s young squad, led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, impressed throughout the tournament with one of the strongest defensive displays, conceding only one goal during the entire competition.
