Spain have been crowned world champions for a second time, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense FIFA World Cup 2026 final that went to the wire.

Manager Luis de la Fuente and his players celebrated wildly after the final whistle, with the squad describing the triumph as a defining moment in Spanish football history.

A date with history

Speaking after the match, Luis de la Fuente captured the mood in the Spain camp, declaring that his side had arrived at a date with history — and got there first. The sentiment echoed across a dressing room that had delivered one of international football's most coveted prizes.

The victory was sealed in extra time, with Argentina — and their talismanic captain Lionel Messi — unable to find a way through a resolute Spanish defence across the full 120 minutes.

Yamal's remarkable rise

The tournament will long be remembered for the performances of Lamine Yamal, who at just 19 years old has already etched his name into football folklore. The young forward's displays throughout the competition drew widespread acclaim, with many observers suggesting he has now completed every achievement the sport has to offer at this stage of his career.

For Messi, the final was a bitter end to what may be his last World Cup campaign. Argentina, the reigning world champions coming into the tournament, were unable to defend their crown against a Spain side that proved clinical and disciplined across every phase of the competition.

Spain's golden generation

This triumph adds to Spain's 2010 World Cup title and cements the current generation as one of the finest in the nation's history. Luis de la Fuente has now guided his squad to the pinnacle of the global game, completing a remarkable era for Spanish football that has already included European Championship success.

The scenes at full time — players embracing, staff in tears, and a nation erupting in celebration — underlined just how much this victory meant to a Spain squad that dared to believe from the very first kick of the tournament.