Spain beats Argentina in extra time to win second World Cup

Spain won the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time to claim the country’s second title, according to CNBC. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal, ending Argentina’s defense of the trophy and closing a final that also drew attention for its political symbolism and entertainment production.

The match was played at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, according to Getty Images captions cited by CNBC. Spain’s players celebrated after the final whistle with Rodri lifting the World Cup trophy alongside his teammates.

Spain ends Argentina’s title defense

CNBC reported that Torres’ strike settled a tense contest after the match moved beyond regular time. In World Cup knockout football, extra time is used when teams remain level after 90 minutes, adding two further periods before penalties are needed if the score is still tied. Spain did not require a shootout.

The result gave Spain its second World Cup crown and denied Argentina a repeat of its previous triumph. For Argentina, the defeat marked the end of its reign as defending champion.

Lionel Messi’s exit added a personal dimension to the final. CNBC reported that Messi left the pitch in tears after receiving his runners-up medal, in what is expected to be his last appearance at a World Cup.

Trophy ceremony draws boos

U.S. President Donald Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the medal and trophy presentation, CNBC reported. The leaders of Canada and Mexico, the United States’ fellow co-hosts, also attended the final.

Trump and Infantino were booed during the ceremony, according to CNBC. Getty Images captions identified the two men with the World Cup trophy and later during the presentation to Rodri.

The presence of the three co-host nations’ leaders placed the final within a wider diplomatic setting, as the tournament concluded in the United States. The report did not specify remarks from the leaders or FIFA officials during the ceremony.

Halftime show expands the spectacle

The final also featured an extended halftime show modeled on the Super Bowl format, CNBC reported. The performance was curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Burna Boy were listed among the performers. Getty Images captions cited by CNBC showed Shakira performing during the Topps Final Halftime Show and BTS members Jimin, V, J-Hope and Jung Kook on stage during the final.

The entertainment programme added another focal point away from the match itself. CNBC also cited images of supporters in India reacting as Argentina lost, underlining the global reach of the fixture beyond the stadium in New Jersey.

Spain’s victory leaves the tournament with a new champion and Argentina with a final defeat after extra time. For Messi, according to CNBC, the evening is expected to stand as the closing World Cup chapter of one of football’s most scrutinized international careers.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.