Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in an intense final that was decided in extra time.

The match remained goalless through regulation time before Ferran Torres, who came on as a second-half substitute, scored the winner in the 106th minute. Latching onto a loose ball inside the penalty area, Torres fired a left-footed strike under the crossbar to hand Spain its second FIFA World Cup title, the first since its triumph in 2010.

"It was a goal scored by 47 million people," Torres said, referring to Spain's population.

Spain's breakthrough came after Argentina were reduced to 10 men late in regulation when Enzo Fernández was shown a red card following a reckless challenge. The dismissal shifted momentum in Spain's favour before Torres delivered the decisive moment in extra time.

Spain's defence once again proved its strength, successfully protecting the narrow lead until the final whistle. The newly crowned champions conceded just one goal in eight matches throughout the tournament, setting a new record for the fewest goals conceded by a FIFA World Cup-winning team.

The victory also denied Lionel Messi a second consecutive World Cup title in what the Argentine captain had indicated would be his final appearance at the tournament.

The trophy presentation brought together several dignitaries, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, King Felipe VI of Spain, and US President Donald Trump, who presented the FIFA World Cup trophy to the Spanish team.

Before the trophy lift, Trump briefly greeted Spain captain Rodri, describing him as his favourite player before congratulating the team on its historic achievement.

As Spain celebrated lifting football's most prestigious prize, an emotional scene unfolded for Argentina. Led by Lionel Messi, the players collected their silver medals to a standing ovation from supporters inside the stadium. Fans applauded the team as the anthem "Muchachos" echoed around the venue, acknowledging Argentina's remarkable journey despite falling short in the final.

For Spain, the victory marks a return to the top of world football after 16 years, while Argentina's campaign ended with disappointment but earned admiration for reaching another FIFA World Cup final.

 The countdown has begun for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with Spain set to face Argentina in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. While football fans from around the world are preparing for the title clash, concerns over deteriorating air quality have emerged across New York and New Jersey, where the final will be played.

Ahead of Sunday's final, France and England will compete in the third-place playoff at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, before attention shifts to the championship match.

However, just days before the final, authorities issued an air quality alert for parts of New York and New Jersey after smoke from massive Canadian wildfires spread across the northeastern United States.

Smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada has covered large parts of the country, stretching from the Midwest to the Northeast. Officials have advised residents and visitors to limit outdoor activities, remain indoors where possible and avoid prolonged exposure to the polluted air.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 19 (12:30 a.m. IST on July 20) at SoFi Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The air quality concerns intensified as Spain's squad arrived in New Jersey on Wednesday night, following its semi-final victory over France in Texas.

Despite the environmental challenges, preparations for the World Cup final continue, with thousands of supporters expected to travel to New Jersey to witness the clash between the European champions and the defending world champions.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring air quality levels closely in the lead-up to the final while advising residents, visitors and fans to follow public health guidelines if conditions worsen.

The stage is set for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with defending champions Argentina set to take on Spain on Sunday, July 19, in what promises to be one of the tournament's biggest encounters.

Argentina booked its place in the final after a thrilling 2-1 victory over England in the semi-final. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored late to complete the comeback, while Lionel Messi played a key role by providing two assists. Spain, meanwhile, reached the summit clash after maintaining its impressive run throughout the tournament.

Ahead of the final, former England striker Robbie Fowler and Germany goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn, speaking as ZEE5 experts, said Spain has been one of the standout teams at the World Cup. However, they also believe Argentina has the experience and quality to challenge the European champions if it can capitalise on the opportunities created.

With football fever building across the country, the Karnataka government has announced extended operating hours for hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to allow fans to enjoy the late-night matches.

Following a representation from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the state government has permitted hotels and restaurants to remain open until 3:30 a.m. on July 14, July 15 and July 19, when key FIFA World Cup matches are scheduled to be played late at night in India due to time-zone differences.

Sharing the announcement, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the decision was taken to ensure football enthusiasts can enjoy the matches without inconvenience.

The relaxation has been granted under the provisions of the Karnataka Police Act, allowing hotels and restaurants to continue serving guests until 3:30 a.m. on the notified dates.

Following the government's decision, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh issued the necessary orders permitting late-night screenings of FIFA World Cup matches and extending the operating hours of hotels and restaurants.

The move is expected to benefit Bengaluru's hospitality sector, with restaurants, cafés and hotels preparing to welcome football fans for the much-awaited Argentina vs Spain final on Sunday.