Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim the 2026 World Cup title, while Argentina tied an unwanted tournament record by failing to register a single shot on target during regulation.
The winning goal
The decisive strike came in the 105th minute, breaking a scoreless deadlock that had persisted through 90 minutes of regulation and the first half of extra time. Spain's goal, the only one of the match, was enough to secure the trophy in a final that was more notable for defensive discipline than attacking flair.
Argentina's unwanted record
Argentina's inability to test the Spanish goalkeeper during the 90 minutes of regulation tied a World Cup record for fewest shots on target in a final. The statistic underscores the effectiveness of Spain's defensive organization, which neutralized Argentina's attacking threats throughout the match.
A tight contest
The final was a tense affair, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Spain's midfield controlled possession for long stretches, but Argentina's defense held firm until the extra-time breakthrough. The match lacked the high-scoring drama of some previous finals, but the intensity was never in doubt.
For Spain, the victory marks their second World Cup title, adding to their 2010 triumph. Argentina, the defending champions from 2022, came up just short in their bid to retain the trophy.
