World Cup saved as Spain overcome anti-football Argentina

Spain’s World Cup victory theme played out at MetLife Stadium on 19 July 2026 as the reigning champions overturned a difficult, defensive Argentina to win 1-0 after extra time. Ferran Torres scored the only goal at 106 minutes, capping a final described as among the worst, and certainly the worst in living memory. From the first minute, Spain looked prepared for “football,” while Argentina’s approach was to disrupt and hurt opponents rather than create chances. Statistical dominance was stark: Spain recorded 20 shots to Argentina’s three, 11 on target to zero, 68% possession, and 803 passes to 445. Argentina finished with 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow for a mistimed tackle on Pau Cubarsi, and later faced further controversy. Messi was seen in tears after full time.