Spain has won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, succeeding in breaking the hearts of many supporters of football prodigy, Lionel Messi and indeed all Argentinians.
IT did so with a lone strike to down 10-man Argentina at the New York/New Jersey stadium in USA yesterday, in a game that saw the football loving world glued to their gadgets and screens.
The two teams had played out the allowed 90 minutes before going into extra time.
The decider goal didn’t come until the second half of extra time off the boats of Ferran Torres, with The King of Spain, President Donald Trump and his wife as well as FIFA president, Gianni Infantino present at the stands.
The goal saw the stadium, in an uproar that reverberated all over the world, but especially in Spanish homes, and elsewhere around the world.
Argentina had hoped to oust the determined Spanish side and set record of becoming the first country to successfully defend the tournament since 1962, but this was not to be.
Spain had the first real opportunity of the match as Lamine Yamal saw his deflected shot saved by goalkeeper Emilio Martinez, while Unai Simon raced 30 yards out of his box to prevent Lionel Messi from running through on goal with a well-timed clearance.
La Furia Roja started the second half with a chance in the opening two minutes with Alex Baena shooting straight at Martinez after substitute Leandro Paredes lost the ball deep in his half.
The European champions cracked up the pressure and went close on multiple occasions through Pedri, Dani Olmo, Pau Curbasi, with Martinez thwarting the Spaniard each time they had a shot on target.
Martinez made 10 saves in total, including a last-second Yamal free-kick to force extra-time.
The Aston Villa player became the first goalkeeper to make 10 saves in a World Cup final.
Spain had the ball in the net in the first half of extra-time through Nico Williams, but the referee disallowed the strike for a foul on Nicolas Otamendi in the build-up.
Substitute Mikel Merino also saw a glancing header miss the far post by inches.
Spain weathered a late Messi-driven onslaught in the dying minutes, but Juliano Simeone blazed high and wide, and held on to send their contingent into wild celebrations.
The Spaniards, Euro 2024 winners, claimed their second World Cup trophy, and they become the only European country in history to win consecutive Euros and World Cup trophies twice.
Spain’s victory formally draws the curtain to pitch activities of the 2026 World Cup.
