- Spain are men’s world champions for the second time, beating Argentina 1-0 in the final of the 2026 World Cup.
- Barcelona’s Torres scored the only goal of the game in the second half of extra-time.
- Luis de la Fuente stated, "We had a game plan where the first idea was to keep Messi at bay but also other players away from our goal."
- De la Fuente expressed his gratitude, saying, "First of all I would like to thank the whole staff and everyone who worked with us. The players are the true protagonists."
- De la Fuente confirmed that players had made a tattoo promise, stating, "I already told them they were wrong to say they’d get my face tattooed, because they’re men of their word and they’re going to follow through."
Spain's triumph in the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina, secured by a 1-0 scoreline, was marked by a stellar performance and strategic brilliance from manager Luis de la Fuente.1
Torres' goal in the second half of extra-time sealed the victory, making him the fifth substitute to score in a World Cup final.
De la Fuente praised his players, stating, "I never thought of anything like this... I would not have achieved anything without these players."
The match saw Argentina struggle offensively, with no shots until the 26th minute of extra-time and committing 25 fouls, the most in a World Cup match since their own record in 2022.
Spain's defense was impenetrable throughout the tournament, allowing just 2.3 expected goals across eight matches, the fewest ever conceded by a World Cup-winning team.
De la Fuente emphasized the importance of their game plan, stating, "We had a game plan where the first idea was to keep Messi at bay... If it wasn’t for their keeper we might’ve had a larger win."3
As celebrations erupted, De la Fuente humorously addressed a tattoo promise made by Cucurella, saying, "I’m no longer of an age to be getting tattoos... they’re men of their word and they’re going to follow through."5
Spain's victory not only adds a second World Cup title to their name but also extends their unbeaten run to 38 matches, the longest recorded by a men’s European national team.
“Barcelona's Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the second half of extra time, becoming the fifth substitute to score in a World Cup final. Spain's defense allowed just 2.3 expected goals across the tournament, and Argentina committed 25 fouls in the final, the most by any team in a World Cup match since 2022.”
Opta Analyst
NBC Sports
