WEB DESK: In a high-stakes thriller at the New Jersey Stadium, Spain have drawn first blood in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, scoring a brilliant goal in the second half of extra time against defending champions Argentina.
The final, played under the bright lights of New York, remained a tense, goalless affair through both regular halves. Neither side could find the back of the net in 90 minutes, forcing the match into a decisive 30-minute extra-time period. With the clock ticking down and penalties looming, Spain produced a moment of magic to break the deadlock and put themselves on the brink of glory.
This final marks a historic milestone for La Roja, as they have reached the World Cup title match for only the second time in their history, and the first since their triumphant 2010 campaign in South Africa. For Argentina, however, this is familiar territory. The Albiceleste are contesting their seventh World Cup final, having previously lifted the trophy three times—in 1978, 1986, and most recently in 2022.
All eyes were on Argentine legend Lionel Messi, who is widely expected to be playing his last-ever World Cup match. Fans packed the stadium hoping to witness the iconic No. 10 secure back-to-back titles for his nation. Yet Spain’s young sensation Lamine Yamal and a host of other match-winners on both sides have ensured this final remains a nail-biting contest until the very last whistle.
With Spain now leading in the dying embers of extra time, Argentina face an uphill battle to keep their title defense alive.
