Argentina finished the 2026 World Cup as runners-up after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in a dramatic final decided in extra time. The national team resisted with ten players, pushed the match to its limit and came within one final move of forcing a penalty shootout.
Spain controlled the game from the beginning and forced Lionel Scaloni’s team to defend deep. Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Marc Cucurella found space around Argentina’s penalty area, but Emiliano Martínez protected the goal and kept the first half scoreless.
The challenge grew when Lisandro Martínez went off injured. Nicolás Otamendi entered to reorganise the defence, while Leandro Paredes was introduced after the break to provide greater control in a midfield struggling to connect Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Lionel Messi.
Argentina withstood Spain’s attacks but were reduced to ten after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card. Dibu Martínez responded again to a Yamal free kick and several other clear chances, extending the goalless draw into extra time.
The decisive moment came in the second half of the additional period. Nico Williams brought down a cross at the far post and Ferran Torres finished with a volley to make it 1-0. Argentina still created one final chance, but Giuliano Simeone sent his shot over the crossbar.
Spain lifted the trophy, while Argentina completed an enormously demanding campaign in second place, with victories built through resistance and the ability to return. Lionel Messi completed his sixth World Cup and Scaloni’s team left without retaining the title, but standing together and recognised for competing until the final ball.
