Spain Win FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: Live Updates, Results, Highlights, Top Moments.
The wait is almost over!
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Live Updates, Results, Highlights, Top Moments
Full-time: Spain are world champions
The final whistle sounds, and Spain are crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions.
Argentina's final set-piece comes to nothing before the referee brings an end to a gripping final. The Spanish end of the stadium erupts in celebration as players, staff and supporters revel in a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
After 120 minutes of relentless pressure and a decisive extra-time strike from Ferran Torres, Spain reclaim football's biggest prize and write another unforgettable chapter in their history.
Full-time (AET): Spain 1-0 Argentina
Argentina waste a golden chance
Argentina come within inches of forcing penalties. Lionel Messi's corner takes a deflection and falls kindly to Giuliano Simeone at the back post, but the forward blazes his right-footed effort over the crossbar from close range.
It is a huge let-off for Spain and perhaps the last real opportunity for Argentina. They are unlikely to get a better chance than that.
120+2 mins: Spain 1-0 Argentina
Messi's effort is bravely blocked
Argentina launch another late attack, and the ball falls invitingly for Lionel Messi inside the box. The captain strikes first time with his trusted left foot, but Mikel Merino throws himself into the effort, taking the full force of the shot to deny what looked like a dangerous chance.
The ball is hacked clear as play is briefly halted to allow Merino to receive treatment after his courageous block.
117 mins: Spain 1-0 Argentina
Spain keep the ball as chants of 'Olé' ring out
Spain are now doing what they do best—keeping the ball with confidence and composure. Crisp, short passes zip across the pitch, drawing a chorus of "Olé!" from the Spanish supporters with every completed move.
Argentina, down to 10 men, look exhausted as they chase shadows. Every passing sequence drains a little more energy from the reigning finalists, while Spain edge ever closer to the World Cup title.
112 mins: Spain 1-0 Argentina
Ferran Torres has the last laugh
Since joining Barcelona from Manchester City, Ferran Torres has often been the target of jokes and memes questioning his finishing ability.
Much of that criticism has overlooked the broader qualities he brings to the pitch. Torres is an intelligent forward who links play well, keeps possession effectively and works tirelessly for his team.
Now, he has delivered when it matters most. With a goal that could secure Spain's first World Cup triumph since 2010, Torres has produced the defining moment of his career—and perhaps the perfect response to his critics.
GOAL! Spain finally break through
Spain have the breakthrough at last!
Almost straight from the restart, Ferran Torres finds the decisive touch to fire La Roja into the lead. After dominating possession and creating the better chances throughout the match, Spain finally have the goal their performance has deserved.
With Argentina reduced to 10 men, the task has become even steeper. They now have precious little time to find a response and keep their World Cup dream alive.
106 mins: Spain 1-0 Argentina
'The Final Countdown' echoes around the stadium
The stadium speakers blare out The Final Countdown—a fitting soundtrack with just 15 minutes of extra time left before the prospect of a penalty shootout.
Reduced to 10 men, Argentina appear fully committed to taking the final the distance. Their disciplined defensive display suggests they have been preparing for this scenario throughout the match.
On the touchline, both coaching staffs are in constant discussion, barking instructions and trying to squeeze one final push from their exhausted players. Every decision and every moment now carries enormous significance.
105 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Tempers flare as tensions spill onto the touchline
The emotions are boiling over, and it is no longer just the players feeling the pressure. Even the slightest confrontation on the pitch sparks animated reactions from both benches, with substitutes and coaching staff repeatedly jumping to their feet.
It feels like the next heavy challenge or booking could trigger a full-scale confrontation between the two technical areas.
At the other end, Argentina try to launch an attack through Lionel Messi, but the veteran forward is unable to inject his usual burst of pace. He holds up play before shifting the ball left, only for Pedro Porro to read the move perfectly and snuff out the danger.
106 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Spain squander a golden opportunity
Spain come agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. Nico Williams delivers a superb cross from the left, finding Mikel Merino completely unmarked in the middle. The midfielder can only glance his header wide, sending it across the face of goal with the net seemingly at his mercy.
It is a huge let-off for Argentina, who survive another major scare.
103 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Yamal can't find the target
Lamine Yamal tries his trademark curling effort from distance, looking to bend the ball into the far corner, but the shot sails over the crossbar.
Argentina make another defensive change, with Marcos Senesi replacing Julián Álvarez as Lionel Scaloni looks to shore up his back line for the closing stages of extra time.
101 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Spain keep knocking on the door
Spain continue to pile on the pressure, patiently working the ball from side to side before another dangerous cross is delivered from the right. Their measured build-up remains relentless as they search for the elusive breakthrough.
Argentina, meanwhile, are forced to dig in once again, with every attack demanding another resolute defensive effort.
100 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Goal ruled out after VAR review
Spain's celebrations are cut short as the goal is ruled out following a VAR review. The officials decide Nicolás Otamendi was fouled in the build-up after his foot was clipped, denying La Roja what looked to be the breakthrough.
Spain respond by making two substitutions, with Eric García and Martín Zubimendi replacing Rodri and Aymeric Laporte.
98 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Spain goal disallowed!
Williams slots home from close range after the ball deflected to him from a Martinez smother.
Will VAR get involved?
96 minutes: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Argentina survive a nervous moment
Argentina almost gift Spain a golden opportunity after Mikel Merino's misplaced header puts his side under immediate pressure. Surrounded by Spanish shirts, he lingers too long on the ball before Argentina finally hack it clear.
The clearance travels deep into Spain's half, but Lionel Messi is left isolated up front and has little chance of reaching it as Spain quickly regain possession.
95 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Argentina refuse to back down
The challenges continue to fly in as the intensity of the final shows no sign of easing. Nicolás Tagliafico is late into another tackle, but this time the referee keeps his cards in his pocket.
Down to 10 men, Argentina are digging deep, matching Spain's pressure with determination and physicality as they fight to stay alive in extra time.
92 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Full-time: Spain 0-0 Argentina
The final whistle brings an end to 90 minutes, with the resulting Spain corner comfortably cleared by the Argentina defence.
Despite playing the closing stages with 10 men, Argentina have held firm to force the World Cup final into extra time. Their defensive resilience has kept Spain at bay, but another 30 minutes now await.
The big question is whether Argentina can continue to withstand Spain's relentless pressure with a numerical disadvantage, or if La Roja can finally find the breakthrough that has eluded them all evening.
Yamal kick saved
The world held its breath. Martinez sprawls to his left to push the effort wide.
90+8 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Tempers boil over as tensions rise
The intensity has reached another level, with players from both sides repeatedly ending up on the turf after a series of heavy challenges.
It all began when Lionel Messi was brought down in Argentina's half, prompting furious protests from the entire Argentine bench.
Moments later, Enzo Fernández flew into another challenge, and the referee had seen enough. The midfielder was shown a second yellow card, reducing Argentina to 10 men.
The heat, the pressure and the magnitude of the World Cup final are clearly taking their toll as emotions spill over in the closing stages.
Free kick for Spain
Torres goes down on the edge of the box. This will be the last kick of normal time. What a moment.
90+6 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
RED CARD! Fernandez is off
A second yellow for the midfielder who was late on a challenge.
Now chaos ensues.
90+4 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Argentina earn a late free-kick
Argentina have a rare opportunity in a dangerous area after Lionel Messi is brought down just outside the penalty area. It gives them a chance to swing a delivery into the box and test Spain's defence with only moments remaining.
Could this be the decisive moment?
90+2 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Four minutes added on
The fourth official signals a minimum of four minutes of added time. It is a relatively modest amount, with three of those minutes accounted for by the second-half hydration break.
Unless one side can produce a dramatic late winner, this World Cup final appears destined for extra time.
90+1 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Spain dominate as the crowd finds its voice
Spain continue to dictate the tempo, and their supporters are responding in kind. Chants of "¡España!" echo around the stadium as La Roja pile on the pressure in search of a winner.
Behind the Spanish goal, a lively supporters' band keeps the atmosphere buzzing with drums and trumpets, growing louder each time Spain push into the Argentina penalty area.
In contrast, the Argentina fans have fallen noticeably quiet, nervously watching their side cling on as the closing minutes tick away.
Fernández shown a yellow card
Enzo Fernández thinks he has won a free-kick as he tries to launch an Argentina counter-attack, but the referee waves play on. The midfielder's angry reaction earns little sympathy, and he is shown a yellow card for dissent.
83 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
The World Cup hangs in the balance
The final has entered its defining phase. At this stage, a single moment of brilliance, one costly mistake or a perfectly delivered set piece could be enough to decide who lifts the World Cup trophy.
With the match still goalless, Argentina may feel the more comfortable side. Despite spending much of the game on the back foot, they have the quality to snatch victory in an instant.
Spain, meanwhile, continue to control possession and territory while doing everything they can to keep Argentina's dangerous attack quiet. The question now is whether they can find the breakthrough before time runs out, or if Argentina's resolute defence can hold firm just a little longer.
Spain turn up the pressure
Spain are beginning to pile on the pressure. Pau Cubarsí lets fly with a powerful low strike from distance, forcing Emiliano Martínez into another save. The goalkeeper can only parry the effort, and the loose ball is bundled behind for yet another Spain corner.
77 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Pedri tests Martínez
Pedri wastes little time making an impact, weaving into space on the edge of the penalty area before pulling the trigger. His strike is well hit but lacks placement, allowing Emiliano Martínez to gather comfortably.
76 mins: Spain 0-0 ArgentinaPedri tests Martínez
Pedri wastes little time making an impact, weaving into space on the edge of the penalty area before pulling the trigger. His strike is well hit but lacks placement, allowing Emiliano Martínez to gather comfortably.
76 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Argentina make a double substitution
Argentina are back underway after making two changes during the hydration break. Cristian Romero and Rodrigo De Paul make way, with Facundo Medina and Giuliano Simeone introduced as Lionel Scaloni looks to inject fresh legs for the closing stages.
70 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Hydration break offers a chance to reset
The players pause for a hydration break, giving both sides a valuable opportunity to catch their breath in what has been an intense contest.
The key question is how much Argentina still have left in the tank after chasing the game for long spells and expending plenty of energy in the semifinal. With Lionel Messi on the pitch, however, they remain a threat. One moment of brilliance could be all it takes to change the course of the final.
Spain will also be wary of becoming too adventurous, knowing Argentina punished England with a clinical late winner in the last round.
68 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Spain keep the pressure on
Argentina deal with the initial corner, but Spain quickly come again. Lamine Yamal gathers the loose ball on the right and curls a dangerous cross towards the far post, where it glances off a defender's head for another corner.
The second delivery drops into a crowded six-yard box, causing brief panic before Argentina finally scramble the ball clear.
65 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Argentina survive a nervy moment
Spain come close to breaking the deadlock as Dani Olmo unleashes a dipping strike from just outside the penalty area. Emiliano Martínez misjudges the bounce, but the Argentina goalkeeper is relieved to see the ball spin behind for a corner rather than into the back of the net.
64 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Yamal's free-kick comes to nothing
Lamine Yamal steps up, but his free-kick crashes straight into the Argentina wall. It sums up a quiet afternoon so far for the Spanish youngster, who has struggled to make his usual impact.
Spain then make a double substitution, with Ferran Torres and Pedri replacing Mikel Oyarzabal and Fabián Ruiz.
62 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Police detain spectator inside the stadium
State police have detained a spectator following an incident inside the stadium.
A young man wearing a red shirt was chased by three officers through the concourse before being caught inside a restroom. He was then handcuffed, searched, and had his bag inspected before officers escorted him away.
The reason for the detention has not yet been confirmed.
Spain win a dangerous free-kick
Spain have a promising set-piece in a dangerous position after Pedro Porro is brought down by Leandro Paredes just outside the area. The free-kick is on the right edge of the box, making it a difficult angle for a direct effort but an excellent opportunity to deliver a dangerous ball into the penalty area.
60 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Argentina make another change
Argentina make their second substitution of the half as Nahuel Molina comes on to replace Gonzalo Montiel. It's a like-for-like change at right-back as the reigning champions look to inject fresh energy.
58 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Spain's move breaks down at the vital moment
Spain carve open the Argentina defence with a driving run from Mikel Oyarzabal. A slick exchange of passes on the edge of the penalty area looks promising, but one touch too many allows Argentina to recover and snuff out the danger.
57 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Paredes booked
Once it all settles down the ref shows the sub the yellow card.
52 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Tempers begin to flare
The temperature rises on the pitch as Leandro Paredes leaves a late shoulder on Rodri, sparking a brief confrontation between the two sides. Players from both teams rush in, with plenty of pushing and shoving before the referee restores order.
51 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
A quieter opening to the second half
The fast pace set by Spain before the break has yet to return after the restart, with both teams taking a more measured approach in the opening minutes of the second half.
50 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Argentina corner
An early chance for Messi to cross, but it hits the first defender before coming off an Argentina player and going out for a goal kick.
48 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Second half gets underway
The second half is underway, and from here on, it's all about what the players produce on the pitch.
Spain create the first opening after the restart as Álex Baena lines up an early effort, but the winger fails to connect cleanly, allowing Argentina to escape without trouble.
46 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Pelé honoured as the celebration continues
The ceremony pays tribute to one of football's greatest legends as Pelé appears on the giant screen, drawing warm applause from the crowd. Moments later, a choir of children performs what sounds like a Coldplay classic, adding an emotional touch to the occasion.
Then comes an unexpected twist. Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy from The Muppet Show make a surprise appearance, dancing along and bringing a playful burst of fun to the spectacle.
Shakira keeps the show rolling
Shakira is the next star to take the stage, and the Colombian singer receives a huge ovation from the crowd.
For a moment, it seemed as though the car carrying Madonna might roll into the arena with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho behind the wheel. That would have been a spectacular entrance, but it wasn't to be.
Even so, the entertainment continues to impress, with the music keeping the atmosphere alive throughout.
BTS light up the stage with 'Dynamite'
The South Korean superstars are the next act to perform, drawing the loudest cheer of the night so far.
It's easy to see why. Their performance is full of energy, and "Dynamite" is the kind of song that gets the crowd moving—it's hard not to tap your foot along.
Madonna is first up at half-time
The American music icon is shown in a music video stood int he back of a buggy driven by Brazilian icons Ronaldinho and Ronaldo.
Can Spain break the deadlock?
If Spain can grab an early goal in the second half—just as England did after dominating the opening period in their semifinal—Argentina will be forced to push forward in search of an equaliser.
That is exactly the kind of open contest neutral fans will be hoping to see.
Looking back at Lamine Yamal’s early opportunity, the goalkeeper was helped by a fortunate deflection. Without that touch, the original path of the shot could have made for a much tougher save.
Half-Time: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Spain have dominated the first half but remain goalless against a stubborn Argentina side.The Spaniards have registered three shots (two on target), with Lamine Yamal testing the keeper from a tight angle and Mikel Oyarzabal driving a first-time effort from the edge of the box. Spain have controlled 64% of possession, while Argentina are yet to register a single shot.It has been the high-intensity, one-sided final many expected. If the pattern continues after the break, it could become the cagey, frustrating final many feared.
HT: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Spain Keep Possession in Search of an Opening
Spain are patiently holding the ball at the back, trying to draw Argentina out of their defensive shape.The move eventually shifts to the left flank, but it comes to nothing as Argentina stay compact.45+2' — Spain 0-0 Argentina
Cucurella Goes Close for Spain
Marc Cucurella cut in from the left flank and drilled a powerful low shot across the face of goal. It beat the keeper but flashed just wide of the far post.
43' — Spain 0-0 Argentina
Oyarzabal Spurns Spain’s First Clear Opening
39' — Spain 0-0 Argentina
Spain Will Not Relent
Spain’s intensity shows no signs of slowing down. Every disrupted attack is instantly renewed with fresh pressure, forcing Argentina to defend wave after wave.The Albiceleste desperately need the halftime whistle to regroup.
38' — Spain 0-0 Argentina
Dani Olmo Drops Deep
Dani Olmo has begun dropping deeper into midfield, slaloming through challenges in the Argentina half as he tries to draw defenders out of position and create openings.So far, his efforts have been unsuccessful — Argentina’s blue and white defensive wall remains firmly intact.
37' — Spain 0-0 Argentina
Yamal can’t quite find Olmo
Early Thoughts: Rodri Dominates as Spain’s Press Troubles Argentina
Did Spain clone Rodri? Because the Manchester City midfielder seems to be everywhere on the pitch.Playing as the ultimate hybrid, Rodri has looked like a third centre-back in defence, a deep-lying playmaker in possession, and a central outlet linking with Spain’s wide attackers. He’s even been pressing high up in Argentina’s territory, disrupting their build-up play.The intense Spanish press has already forced several dangerous turnovers from Argentina, leaving the Albiceleste struggling to find rhythm in the opening stages.That said, Argentina have made a habit of growing into matches. They’ve shown time and again that they can weather early storms and produce their best football as the game progresses.
34 mins: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Spain corner
Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister Avoids Yellow Card
Alexis Mac Allister escaped a booking after a sliding challenge on Spain’s Dani Olmo. The foul was committed in the opening stages, but the referee deemed it not worthy of a yellow card. It appears the official is allowing a degree of physicality early in this World Cup final.
Writers share their predictions for the Spain-Argentina final on Sunday. Overall, they're leaning toward Spain beating Argentina.
Player Has Arrived
Spain vs Argentina: Confirmed Lineups for 2026 World Cup Final
Manager: Luis de la FuenteGK: Unai Simón
Manager: Lionel ScaloniGK: Emiliano Martínez
When is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, Date?
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
What Time is Football World Cup 2026 Final kick-off Today?
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Which Teams are Playing in the FIFA World Cup Final 2026 Today?
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 Final Live Today?
How to stream FIFA World Cup final Live for Free Today?
Who is performing at the FIFA World Cup Final Half-time today?
Key Facts About the 2026 World Cup Final.
First-ever 48-team World Cup final.
0 Comments