Credit: AFP

As the final whistle blew, Spain were crowned world champions for the second time, after beating Argentina 1-0 in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final in New York New Jersey.

The cash prize for World Cup champions, aside from international recognition, includes the iconic trophy, championship rings and a cash prize of $51 million (€44.6 million).

The money was awarded by FIFA to the country’s team federation, it’s up to them to decide how to pay the players.

During the encounter, Ferran Torres sealed Spain’s second World Cup title with the only goal of the final, smashing home from close range after reacting to a loose ball in the penalty area in extra time.

The strike finally broke the deadlock after more than 100 minutes of play.

Luis de la Fuente’s side made the brighter start, dominating possession and looking to exploit spaces between the lines against a well-organised Argentina defence.

The first clear chance came after five minutes when Lamine Yamal combined with Dani Olmo before forcing a close-range save from goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez.

Minutes later, Yamal threatened again after a perfectly weighted pass from Rodri, but Argentina’s defenders cleared the danger.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina looked to hit on the counter through Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez but were repeatedly denied by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón, who was quick off his line to intercept several dangerous attacks.

Spain continued to dictate the tempo through Rodri in midfield, while Álex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal and Marc Cucurella all found space down the left flank.

The game became increasingly physical as the first half wore on, with players also having to contend with a dry, uneven pitch and high temperatures.

Referee Slavko Vinčić waved play on after a robust challenge by Nicolás Tagliafico on Lamine Yamal but later booked Lisandro Martínez for bringing down Oyarzabal as Spain launched a counterattack.

Martínez was forced off injured shortly before half-time and replaced by Nicolás Otamendi.

Spain finished the first half strongly, with Oyarzabal forcing another save from Martínez before Cucurella sent a powerful effort narrowly wide of the post.

Argentina rarely threatened going forward beyond a handful of attacks down the right and isolated moments involving Messi and Álvarez, leaving the score goalless at the break in a finely balanced final.

Second half remains goalless as tensions rise

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Spain dominating possession while Argentina relied on an aggressive press and a physical approach.

Lionel Scaloni made an immediate change after the restart, introducing Leandro Paredes, whose arrival added further intensity to the contest.

The midfielder was quickly booked after catching Rodri off the ball and was involved in several heated exchanges as the match became increasingly fragmented by fouls and stoppages.

Spain gradually tightened their grip on the game and created a series of chances to break the deadlock.

Álex Baena tried his luck from distance, Lamine Yamal’s free kick was blocked by the wall and Dani Olmo forced Emiliano Martínez into a fine save with a low effort that bounced awkwardly in front of the goalkeeper.

Spain also threatened from set pieces, winning a succession of corners as Marc Cucurella, Pedro Porro and Pau Cubarsí regularly pushed forward.

Luis de la Fuente freshened up his side by introducing Pedri and Ferran Torres for Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Oyarzabal, before later sending on Nico Williams and Mikel Merino in place of Olmo and Baena.

Scaloni responded with Nahuel Molina, Facundo Medina and Giuliano Simeone in an attempt to contain Spain’s pressure while looking to exploit counterattacks through Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.

However, Spain’s defence, marshalled by Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and goalkeeper Unai Simón, allowed Argentina few clear opportunities.

The momentum shifted dramatically in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Cubarsí, reducing Argentina to 10 men.

Spain pushed relentlessly for a late winner, but Martínez and a deep-lying Argentina defence held firm as tempers flared in the closing moments.

Torres strikes late to seal Spain’s second World Cup title

Extra time also began without a breakthrough, with both teams continuing to battle for control as chances remained scarce.

But early in the second period of extra time, Spain finally found the goal it had been searching for.

Then, in the 106th minute, Lamine Yamal laid the ball off to Pedro Porro on the right edge of the penalty area, and the defender delivered a cross towards the far post.

Under pressure from Nahuel Molina, Nico Williams opted not to attempt a header from a tight angle, instead nodding the ball back into the centre of the box.

Ferran Torres arrived to meet it with a powerful left-footed volley that flew into the roof of the net.

Argentina came alive in the closing stages, but their late push was not enough to prevent Spain from being crowned world champions.