Spain Clinches Its Second FIFA World Cup Title

USA, Jul. 20: Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New Jersey, USA, to win the title for the second time. Spain, who were eager to win the crown for the second time in a row, showed a good game by keeping the ball in their possession for 68 percent of the total time of the match.

With the score tied 0-0 after the scheduled 90 minutes, an extra 30 minutes were added. Spain won the FIFA World Cup title after 16 years with the only goal scored by Ferran Torres in the second half of extra time. Spain won its first title in 2010, scoring a goal in extra time against the Netherlands.

Spain, who had reached the FIFA World Cup final for the second time, and Argentina, who were hoping to win the title for the second time in a row, were expected to face off in the final at the New Jersey Stadium in New York. But the Spanish players were in complete control of the final match.

Spain stunned the Argentine players in the final match by playing their traditional style of 'tiki-taka possession' football, not giving the ball to the Argentine players in any way. By keeping possession of the ball, the Spanish team started an aggressive game. But the Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez thwarted their attempt to score a goal until the last stage.

Argentina's players, who were struggling to get the ball from the Spanish players in the final match, repeatedly committed fouls. The Argentine team, which was completely dull in front of the Spanish team's possession game, moved towards a defensive game. In the last minute of the match, the Argentine team's midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a red card, which brought another shock to the Argentine team. The Argentine team's players, who were struggling on the field without getting the ball, were forced to play the game with ten players.

Goal in extra time

Argentina, who entered the field with ten players in the extra time of the final match, had calculated that they could win the match in a penalty shootout by replacing the forward player Alvarez in extra time and bringing on defender Marco Senesi and moving towards a more defensive game. But even in extra time, the Spanish team's possession football did not allow the Argentine team to even touch the ball.

Argentina and Spain failed to score in the first half of extra time, and in the second half, substitute Torres scored in the 106th minute to give Spain the lead. Another special feature of the final match was that Torres was assisted by a header by another substitute Williams Jr

Messi's magic did not happen in front of the Spanish players

Millions of fans were waiting for the magic of Argentina's captain Lionel Messi to happen in the final match. Messi was in good form with eight goals and four assists. But the Messi magic did not happen in the final match, which shocked the Argentine team. Spain captain Rodri controlled the entire match in midfield and made sure Messi didn't get the ball.

68% ball possession

In the final, Spain completely outplayed Argentina, not only on the field, but also in terms of statistics. They didn't give their opponents a chance with their traditional tiki-taka style of play.

Spain had 20 shots to Argentina's 3. Spain had 11 shots on target. Despite playing 120 minutes, Argentina failed to have a single shot on target, a first in Argentina's history. Spain had 68% ball possession in the match, while Argentina had only 32%. Spain made a total of 803 passes, while Argentina made only 445. Spain's players played carefully, not receiving a single yellow or red card. However, Argentina's players received five yellow cards and one red card.

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