Spain‘s substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to give his team a 1-0 win over defending champion Argentina in the World Cup ‘26 Final at New York’s New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, 19 July ’26.
Spain was absolutely dominant in terms of possession as well as shot attempts. Despite their struggles, Lionel Messi and Argentina managed to hold on and push the game into extra time.
In the opening moments of the second 15-minute period of extra time, Torres pounced on a bouncing ball in the box. Torres used his left foot to bury a shot under the crossbar & into the back of the net.
Ahead of the ’26 FIFA World Cup final between Spain & Argentina, Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário made a strong prediction that Spain might win.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Nazário said Spain’s ability to dominate possession throughout the tournament makes them the favourite to lift the trophy.
Nazário added that both Spain and France were pre-tournament favourites. He also stated that Spain has consistently controlled matches throughout their journey to the final.
Nazario questioned Argentina’s ability to recover if they fall behind. He suggested Argentina might lack the resilience to reverse the game’s outcome. This is especially true if Spain takes a 1- or 2-goal lead, as they are likely to maintain possession throughout the match.
Nazario believes that Spain’s success may stem from a footballing philosophy refined over many years.
He expressed his opinion that Spain has played football in an extraordinary manner. Their DNA’s not just the football played in this World Cup. Spain has been following this style for a long time. They grew up doing it this way, playing in this manner. Their adoption of this philosophy reflects a significant influence from Pep Guardiola.
While predicting a Spanish victory, Nazario also praised Argentina for their resilience during the tournament. He reserved special praise for captain Lionel Messi, saying that he has inspired the defending champions with a string of decisive performances.
Nazario also added that what’s still an absolute success for Argentina in the World Cup is the manner in which they turned games on several occasions. Messi, one more time, makes one more beautiful story at a World Cup. It’s a team that demonstrates character. Additionally, there is a spirit of overcoming that is both beautiful and admirable. Therefore, we have to learn from it.
Nazario cited that the manner in which Spain plays tends to be automated. One must consistently apply this approach in every phase of the game. There’s no hurry as Spain plays the ball with speed. They control the pace of the game while also managing it through possession.
Pablo Iglesias Maurer reacted, inferring that the world’s greatest player may not see his legacy sullied by this defeat, although his team’s display destroyed the game.
The 39-year-old genius, Barney Ronay, commented that sometimes, magic may forsake a player. The deus ex machina may refuse to appear. He has perhaps gone from this stage now for ever. It was like Prospero giving his final address to the crowd from a clanky metal bowl outside New York.
In the meantime, former soccer star Wayne Rooney expressed his displeasure that the inaugural FIFA World Cup halftime show was ‘crap’ during the broadcast on Sunday, 19 July.
The halftime show was the first ever during the World Cup final. It benefits the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. It included a star-studded line-up of performances by Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira & more. Also included was a cameo from Jason Sudeikis as his Ted Lasso character.
