Spain Beats Argentina to Win 2nd World Cup Title

Spain won its second World Cup title after Ferran Torres scored in extra time to beat 10-man Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 final, ending Lionel Messi’s likely last appearance on football’s biggest stage with a night of frustration.

The final, played yesterday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and ending early today Beijing time, was decided in the 106th minute, when Torres broke through after Spain had controlled much of the match. Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 83rd minute for a second yellow card, leaving the defending champions with little room to respond.

Spain dominated possession and chances through normal time, while Argentina failed to register a shot on target in the first 90 minutes. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept Argentina alive in the first half of extra time with a series of saves, but Spain finally found the breakthrough after the restart and held on to lift the trophy for the first time since 2010.

The victory capped a near-perfect tournament for Spain, whose defense conceded only one goal. Captain Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, while Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon claimed the Golden Glove after recording seven clean sheets, setting a World Cup record for a goalkeeper. France striker Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot with 10 goals, retaining the award he also claimed in Qatar, while France’s Michael Olise topped the assists chart with seven.

The final’s timing — early morning in China — also set off an unusual wave of workplace perks, as several companies gave employees time off or flexible hours so they could watch the match and rest afterward.

Adidas Football said on July 16 that, except for essential meetings, office employees would receive a special day off on July 20 to enjoy the final. Adidas Sports China reposted the notice with the playful line: “If you’re not coming to work, neither am I.”

Chinese Internet and entertainment firms followed with similar benefits. NetEase announced that all employees would receive a paid half-day off on Monday morning, saying staff should be able to watch the final without worrying about work. 37 Interactive Entertainment said employees would not need to clock in that morning, and that the absence would not count as lateness, absenteeism or unpaid leave.

Lingxi Games, Moonton Technology and other companies also introduced half-day breaks or upgraded viewing perks. Moonton said it had turned its Friday afternoon tea into a “World Cup snack pack” for employees to take home.

Lenovo took a different approach, offering employees in China a “sleep-in card” during the tournament. The card allowed workers to arrive two hours late or leave two hours early on one workday, in addition to existing flexible work arrangements.

Many smaller Internet, e-commerce and creative companies also adopted half-day leave or flexible schedules, keeping only essential staff on duty Monday morning before resuming normal work in the afternoon.