Spain claims 2026 world cup crown with dramatic extra-time win over argentina

The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded in unforgettable fashion as Spain lifted the trophy for the first time in their history, defeating Argentina 1-0 in a tense extra-time showdown on Sunday, July 19.

Group stage thrills and surprises

The tournament kicked off on Thursday, June 11 with a 2-0 victory for Mexico over South Africa. The following day saw South Korea edge out the Czech Republic 2-1, while Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina played out a 1-1 draw. On Saturday, June 13, the United States delivered a commanding 4-1 win against Paraguay, while Qatar and Switzerland settled for a 1-1 stalemate.

Upsets and standout performances

The opening weekend saw Scotland defeat Haiti 1-0, Australia blank Turkey 2-0, and Germany dismantle Curaçao 7-1. Meanwhile, Sweden overwhelmed Tunisia 5-1, while France secured a 3-1 win against Senegal on Tuesday, June 16.

On Wednesday, June 17, Argentina flexed their dominance with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, while England edged Croatia 4-2. The group stage concluded on Saturday, June 20 with Morocco stunning Scotland 1-0, Brazil thrashing Haiti 3-0, and Netherlands dismantling Sweden 5-1.

Knockout drama unfolds

The round of 16 began on Thursday, June 25, featuring a dramatic 1-1 draw between Switzerland and Canada, which Switzerland won on penalties. France continued their strong run with a 3-0 victory over Sweden, while Argentina defeated Austria 2-0.

On Monday, June 29, Brazil survived a scare against Japan 2-1, while Germany required penalties to overcome Paraguay. The quarter-finals saw Spain edge out Belgium 2-1, and France eliminate Morocco 2-0.

The semi-finals delivered high-stakes action: Spain defeated Belgium 2-1, while Argentina edged England 2-1. The third-place playoff saw France best England 6-4 in a high-scoring encounter.

The grand finale

The championship match on Sunday, July 19 was a masterclass in tactical football. Spain broke the deadlock in extra time, securing a 1-0 victory and etching their name in World Cup history. The victory marked Spain’s first-ever World Cup triumph, capping off a tournament of surprises and brilliance.