Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 to win 2026 World Cup as both teams prepare homecoming celebrations

A goal by Ferran Torres in extra time secured Spain's 1-0 win over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final played July 19 in New Jersey, with the decisive strike coming on a pass from substitute Nico Williams after Argentina had been reduced to ten men by a red card to Enzo Fernandez.

Lionel Messi started for Argentina and cried after the final whistle. Spain had advanced by eliminating France in the semifinal. The result marked Spain's second World Cup title, following its 2010 victory in South Africa.

The Spanish squad's flight is scheduled to land in Madrid at 12:50 p.m. local time on July 20. King Felipe VI will receive the players at Zarzuela Palace. An open-top bus parade will start at Moncloa and proceed to Cibeles Square for a ceremony.

Madrid officials expect about one million people along the route. Authorities will deploy 2,050 police officers and 400 Civil Guard personnel. Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida said he had little sleep from the celebrations and match tension.

A 13-year-old boy died around midnight on July 19 in Ciudad Rodrigo when a fountain collapsed under the weight of celebrating supporters. Overnight festivities left the Castellana avenue covered in rubbish, beer cans, and glass shards. m. Spain's women's national team won the Women's World Cup in 2023, and the country will co-host the 2030 tournament with Portugal and Morocco.