Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win World Cup final
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The match was characterized by Spain's defensive dominance, which effectively neutralized Lionel Messi and the Argentine attack.
Why it matters
This marks a significant milestone in international football, highlighting the tactical evolution of the Spanish national team and the end of Argentina's tournament run.
Pinned post from 12.01pm Go to latest Match report: Argentina run out of late Messi miracles against Spanish machine By Argentina staged several dramatic comebacks to reach the World Cup final but they were powerless against Spain, who beat them 1-0 after extra time and gave the defending champions no chance of producing another miracle.
Whether against Egypt in the round of 16 or England in the semi-finals, the Argentines had developed a way of finding their way back into a game, usually thanks to late Lionel Messi goals or assists.
But it was not to be on Monday (AEST), with Spain having done their homework and keeping the South Americans well away from the danger zone for almost the entire game.
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