Ferran Torres World Cup 2026 Final Goal: How Spain Won 1–0 AET
Updated 19 July 2026 — Torres' 106th-minute strike decides the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal of the World Cup 2026 final as Spain beat Argentina 1–0 after extra time. The Barcelona forward, introduced as a second-half substitute, finished in the 106th minute after Nico Williams nodded down a Pedro Porro cross — the only goal of a tense MetLife night.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Scorer | Ferran Torres |
| Minute | 106' (second period of extra time) |
| Assist sequence | Porro cross → Williams header → Torres finish |
| Final score | 🇪🇸 Spain 1–0 Argentina 🇦🇷 (AET) |
| Venue | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ |
| Date | 19 July 2026 |
Full final report: Spain 1–0 Argentina · Match page: M104.
The Goal — Minute by Minute
Regulation finished 0–0. Argentina were already down to 10 men after Enzo Fernández's second yellow at 90+3'. Spain kept probing; Argentina sat deep behind Emiliano Martínez.
Early in the second period of extra time:
- Pedro Porro whipped a ball into the box from the right
- Nico Williams won the aerial duel near the byline and headed it back into the danger zone
- Ferran Torres arrived unmarked and smashed the finish past Martínez
Torres later had another effort ruled offside as Spain counter-attacked — the 1–0 lead stood. Argentina's best late chance fell to Giuliano Simeone, who fired over.
Why Torres Was on the Pitch
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente introduced Torres around the 62nd minute for Mikel Oyarzabal, looking for a fresher runner against Argentina's compact back line. Williams also entered from the bench — both substitutes combined for the decisive moment.
Torres becomes only the second substitute to score the winning goal in a World Cup final, joining a short list of match-deciding bench heroes.
Context — Spain's Second Star
Spain's previous World Cup final win came in 2010 (1–0 vs Netherlands, Iniesta 116'). Torres' 106' strike echoes that extra-time script: control, patience, one clinical finish.
| Spain World Cup titles | Final | Winning goal |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1–0 Netherlands (AET) | Andrés Iniesta 116' |
| 2026 | 1–0 Argentina (AET) | Ferran Torres 106' |
Tournament overview: World Cup 2026 hub.
What Happened Before the Goal
- Spain dominated possession and limited Argentina to almost no shots until deep in extra time
- Unai Simón denied Messi early; Martínez made a World Cup final–record number of saves through 90 minutes
- Enzo Fernández's red card at 90+3' forced Argentina to defend with 10 for the entire extra-time period
- Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz controlled midfield until the breakthrough
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the World Cup 2026 final goal?
Ferran Torres for Spain in the 106th minute.
What minute did Ferran Torres score?
106' — second half of extra time.
Who assisted Ferran Torres World Cup final?
Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro's cross into Torres' path.
Was Ferran Torres a starter in the final?
No — he came off the bench (around the 62nd minute) for Oyarzabal.
Quem marcou o gol da final da Copa 2026?
Ferran Torres, aos 106 minutos, na vitória da Espanha por 1–0 sobre a Argentina.
Did Messi score in the World Cup 2026 final?
No — Messi was held scoreless. Spain won 1–0 AET.