Spain defeated Argentina led by Lionel Messi to win the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.
Spain won 1-0 over top-ranked Argentina after extra time in the final held on the 20th (Korea time) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. Spain, coached by Luis de la Fuente, is No. 2 in the FIFA world rankings.
Spain did not win until the first minute of extra time in the second period, when Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal.
Argentina failed to register a single shot in 90 minutes against Spain's ironclad defense. It was a first in World Cup final history.
Spain captured its second World Cup title overall and its first in 16 years since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
With the final set up as Europe vs. South America for the second straight tournament, a European team lifted the trophy for the first time in eight years since France at the 2018 Russia tournament.
Europe's all-time title count increased to 13. South America has 10.
Spain became the first country to hold both the Women's World Cup trophy (won in 2023) and the Men's World Cup trophy.
Under de la Fuente, Spain continued its golden era by winning Euro 2024 and this tournament in succession.
Argentina failed to achieve back-to-back titles following its 2022 triumph in Qatar.
Even at 39, Messi dazzled, but he did not secure a second World Cup title. Messi recorded eight goals and four assists. The Golden Boot for top scorer went to France's Kylian Mbappe, who had 10 goals and four assists.
Messi started as the right-sided forward in Argentina's 4-4-2, while Spain's 19-year-old "supernova" Lamine Yamal started as the right-sided forward in a 4-3-3.
Messi, at 39 years and 25 days, set a new record as the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final. He surpassed the previous mark of 37 years and 241 days held by Sweden's Gunnar Gren.
Yamal, together with Spain center back Pau Cubarsi (both 19), tied the under-20 World Cup record with seven appearances. They matched the mark previously held alone by Mbappe.