Spain win 2026 World Cup after Messi's Argentina fall flat

Spain won its second World Cup on Sunday, collecting the trophy from U.S. President Donald Trump after Ferran Torres' extra-time strike broke the stubborn resistance of Lionel Messi's Argentina.

More than 80,000 people crammed into MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to witness a tense, tight final punctuated by cynical Argentine fouls that ended 1-0.

The defending champions struggled to compete with a dominant Spain and were left with a mountain to climb when Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on defender Pau Cubarsi.

Argentina barely managed an attempt on goal throughout the match but held on grimly, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez making a series of saves.

The 2010 champions, who had peppered their opponents' goal, finally broke the deadlock early in the second half of extra time.

The goal came from a brilliant knockback by Nico Williams for fellow substitute Torres, who smashed the ball high into the net in the 106th minute.

At the final whistle, Spain's players cavorted on the pitch while Messi was in tears as he trudged up to collect his runners-up medal.

The ceremony was presided over by Trump, who was loudly booed as he walked onto the pitch with Gianni Infantino, president of world football's governing body, FIFA.

Trump had to be asked by Infantino to move aside as he lingered on stage while the Spanish team held the trophy aloft.

The 80-year-old even performed a brief version of his trademark "Trump dance."

An emotional Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his players were a "source of pride" for the nation.

Spain captain Rodri, who won the player of the tournament award, said it was hard to put his feelings into words 14 months after returning from a serious knee injury.

"I think now we're like in a cloud," he said. "It's been a very tough time. I just want the new generations to see my example as an opportunity, when you go down you can rise again."

Messi exit?

Messi, 39, may have played his last World Cup match, and he can take enormous credit for dragging his aging team to the final after they were pushed to the limit in knockout matches against Egypt and England.

But on Sunday, he was largely shut out as Spain imposed its smooth passing game and refused to shirk physical challenges.

The South Americans had been aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups. But Spain was faster, slicker and younger.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain deserved to win.

"They were the better side, that's the truth, but I'll cherish the memory of this team, of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far," said Scaloni, who later broke down in tears during his postgame news conference.

"We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort," he added.

Half-time show

Musical headliners Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS and Coldplay were joined by Brazilian football icons Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, along with the cast of "Ted Lasso," in the first World Cup final halftime show.

The star-packed, Super Bowl-style extravaganza also featured a tribute to late football icon Pele and a rendition of "Seven Nation Army" led by Gustavo Dudamel and featuring musicians from the U.S., Venezuela and Iran.

On Saturday, England beat France 6-4 in a high-scoring thriller to seal third place, its best finish since winning the tournament in 1966.

Kylian Mbappe became the competition's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.

The France forward also won the Golden Boot with 10 goals, two ahead of Messi, finishing as the tournament's top scorer for the second World Cup in a row.

The build-up to the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States was dominated by fears over sky-high prices, geopolitical tensions and concerns that brutal summer heat would make matches unplayable.

But the biggest and most complex edition of football's showpiece ever staged, expanded from 32 teams to 48, will be remembered for thrilling football and a feel-good factor.

Trump hailed the tournament as "the most successful sporting event, maybe in the history of the world."