NEW JERSEY– Spain has won the 2026 World Cup with yet another shutout victory, defeating Argentina 1-0 in Extra Time on Sunday, July 19 at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Spain has captured their third World Cup, last raising the trophy in 2010. While Messi and Argentina failed to win a second WC in a row.
A wildly entertaining tournament that had riveted North America over five weeks was reduced to a grueling test of endurance and wills.
Still even at 0-0 after 90 minutes, we went to Extra Time. Thirty-nine seconds into the second half of Extra Time, Ferran Torres thumped in an 8-yard shot and La Roja finally shattered 10-man Argentina’s spirit to claim a 1-0 victory.
It was a star studded spectacular halftime show.
The 11-minute show featured Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Burna Boy. According to Fox Sports the performance was “curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, featured a cameo from Brazil icons Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho before conductor Gustavo Dudamel led musicians from the New York Philharmonic and the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.” The Muppets also made an appearance.
Argentina’s goalie Emi Martinez made several dramatic, thrilling saves to keep them in the contest. Spain easily could have scored four goals.
It was a messy afternoon for Messi.
In all likelihood his final World Cup match was a disaster, Messi rarely touched the ball and didn’t have much influence at the end of a tournament in which the 39-year-old forward was better than ever.
A hard fought defensive battle was a fitting ending for an outstanding World Cup.
