Victory for football? Spain see off 'embarrassing' Argentina
Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, securing their second men's title after an extra-time goal by Ferran Torres. The victory was widely praised by pundits as a triumph for possession-based football.
Why it matters
This result cements Spain's status as a dominant force in international football, having now won major global and continental titles.
Figure caption, Spain dominate Argentina to win World Cup after extra time
Describing a result as a 'victory for football' might seem like a trite cliche - but you won't find many neutrals disagreeing with that description of Spain's win in the 2026 World Cup final.
When Ferran Torres slammed in the extra-time winner, and Rodri lifted the trophy high in New Jersey, it is hard to imagine many will have had sympathy for Argentina.
Spain triumphed in a battle of endurance, for players and spectators, to beat the Argentines and win their second men's World Cup.
On every football metric - and, some would say, morality too - this was the right result.
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