Spain triumphed as world champions after a decisive win against Argentina in the final of the 2026 World Cup, with Ferran Torres securing a famous win in New Jersey.

Both teams struggled in a scrappy first half where Spain demonstrated dominance but failed to create significant scoring opportunities. The only early effort came from Lamine Yamal, whose attempt was blocked by Lisandro Martinez.

The second half played out similarly, with Argentina failing to register a shot in 90 minutes. The game changed dramatically when Enzo Fernandez received two yellow cards in rapid succession, resulting in his dismissal for a poor challenge on Pau Cubarsi.

This left Argentina at a disadvantage as they attempted to recover from Spain’s dominance in extra time. Eventually, Torres struck first with a clever header following a cross from Nico Williams.

Spain’s 1-0 win reflected a much more dominant performance than the scoreline suggests, as manager Luis de la Fuente orchestrated a tactical masterpiece leading to La Roja’s second World Cup title.

Here’s how the players rated in the World Cup final:

Spain

Unai Simon, 6: The Spain goalkeeper was quick to intervene early to deny Messi, but otherwise had little to do as Argentina failed to take a shot before 90 minutes.

Pedro Porro, 7: The Tottenham defender ensured solid defense and actively joined the attack, notably assisting Torres’ goal with a well-placed cross.

Pau Cubarsi, 7: The Barcelona talent showcased a robust partnership with Laporte, remaining largely untroubled as his side faced no shots throughout the game.

Aymeric Laporte, 7: Laporte demonstrated exceptional composure and skill alongside his teammate, marking an impressive completion to his flawless tournament performance.

Marc Cucurella, 7: Cucurella defended diligently, contributing more in possession with notable attempts on goal and consistent support to teammates.

Rodri, 8: Rodri was instrumental in midfield, decisively leading Spain’s buildup and breaking up Argentine attempts in a performance crucial to their success.

Dani Olmo, 6: Olmo could have registered an assist early but fell short, mirroring the collective effort that, despite Spain’s dominant possession, often misfired in the attacking third.

Fabian Ruiz, 6: Ruiz exhibited promising flair in the attacking build-up, positively influencing Spain’s control in the initial stages.

Lamine Yamal, 6: Despite presenting a consistent threat, Yamal’s impact remained subdued amid a solid Argentine defense.

Mikel Oyarzabal, 6: Oyarzabal showed limited impact, unable to replicate his earlier tournament performance but offered flashes of skill.

Alex Baena, 6: Baena’s contributions on the left were not impactful, yet he collaborated well with Cucurella.

Subs

Ferran Torres, 8: Despite limited involvement, Torres made a crucial impact, scoring the decisive goal in a prime moment.

Pedri, 7: Pedri seamlessly integrated into the match, demonstrating exceptional performance throughout after coming off the bench.

Mikel Merino, 7: Merino has been a standout player and was close to scoring as his header went wide from a great Williams cross.

Nico Williams, 8: Williams disrupted the Argentine defense with his pace and skill, assisting the decisive goal after an impressive performance.

Martin Zubimendi, 6: Put in a solid performance after taking over from Rodri, aiding Spain’s midfield machine.

Eric Garcia, 6: Garcia had minimal engagements in defense as Spain continued to exert pressure.

Manager rating: Luis de la Fuente, 9: De la Fuente’s tactical strategy was key to Spain’s success, effectively neutralizing Argentine threats while maximizing offensive opportunities.

Argentina

Emi Martinez, 7: Martinez had multiple key saves, although he struggled at times with long-range efforts but ultimately could not stop the goal from Torres.

Gonzalo Montiel, 6: Montiel had limited defensive duties but remained alert to prevent goal-scoring opportunities.

Cristian Romero, 6: Romero performed competently until his substitution due to injury, handing in a solid display amid the pressure.

Lisandro Martinez, 6: Despite an early injury, Martinez contributed effectively with a critical block.

Nicolas Tagliafico, 5: Tagliafico struggled defensively, failing to contribute to the attack effectively.

Nico Gonzalez, 5: Gonzalez struggled to make an impact in attack before being substituted at halftime for Leandro Paredes.

Alexis Mac Allister, 6: Mac Allister managed to provide some composure in the midfield but was ultimately stifled by Spain’s performance.

Enzo Fernandez, 3: Fernandez was largely absent and received a red card in stoppage time following a reckless foul.

Rodrigo De Paul, 5: De Paul’s influence waned considerably, failing to make notable contributions under Spain’s overwhelming presence.

Lionel Messi, 5: The veteran star couldn’t find space or opportunities, notably falling short in a match dominated by Spain.

Julian Alvarez, 5: Alvarez struggled to leave his mark during the match, receiving little assistance from midfield and attack.

Subs

Nicolas Otamendi, 6: Otamendi performed reliably amid intense pressure, maintaining defensive composure under challenging circumstances.

Leandro Paredes, 4: Paredes faced immediate challenges upon entering, unable to make a meaningful impact in a largely futile effort.

Giuliano Simeone, 5: Simeone’s performance was limited, barely impacting the attack and lacking composure late in the game.

Facundo Medina, 5: Medina faced challenges while filling in defensively under intense pressure without room for error.

Nahuel Molina, 4: Molina struggled as Spain pressed forward and he was unable to defend effectively against Williams.

Marcos Senesi, 5: Senesi found it difficult to maintain a defensive stance as Spain continued to dominate proceedings.

Manager rating: Lionel Scaloni, 5: Scaloni faced challenges throughout the match, unable to orchestrate an effective response against the superior Spanish side.