20 jul 2026

Spain 1-0 Argentina AET

Spain needed extra time to settle a tense FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, beating Argentina 1-0 in front of 80,663 fans. Ferran Torres decided it in the 106th minute, guiding in Nico Williams’ low pass. Argentina finished with ten men after Enzo Fernández’s second booking late in stoppage time of normal time, and never managed a shot on target. It was a night of Spanish control, one standout finish, and a goalkeeper who made almost everything look saveable.

Spain’s control finally pays off

Spain monopolized the ball and the territory. They held 65% possession, attempted 852 passes to Argentina’s 463, and completed 762 of them. That pressure turned into volume: 20 total shots to Argentina’s 2, with 12 on target for Spain and none for the Albiceleste. The expected goals underline it too, 1.94 to 0.20. Four big chances created, one finally converted. Nine corners to four. Spain also entered the final third 88 times and completed 215 of 263 actions there, while Argentina managed 38 of 80.

The flow looked familiar across 90 minutes. Spain stretched the pitch with 27 crosses and found runners between the lines, completing three through balls and racking up 31 touches in the Argentine penalty area. They were flagged offside four times, a byproduct of constant probing. Argentina held firm in the box and cleared 24 times, but the ball kept coming back. When extra time arrived, the pressure told.

Argentina’s defensive grind and the Martínez show

For long spells this was a backs-to-the-wall job by Argentina, and it was led by their goalkeeper. Emiliano Martínez made 11 saves, four of them classified as big saves, and prevented an estimated 1.81 goals. Spain had two waves in extra time. The first half of extra time saw Spain take 73% of the ball and create two big chances without scoring, Martínez again the difference. The second half swung in transitions, but Spain’s only shot in ET2 was the one Torres buried.

Argentina’s outfield work was about staunch defending. They posted more interceptions (16 to 10), won a higher share of their tackles (78% to 65%), and committed to the duel craft. But the cost stacked up. Six yellow cards and one red told the story of a side constantly firefighting, while Spain remarkably avoided a booking. With Enzo Fernández sent off at 90+3, Argentina played all of extra time a man down.

Key moments and tactical notes

Lineups set the stage. Spain’s 4-2-3-1 circulated relentlessly through midfield, while Argentina’s 4-4-2 tried to compress central lanes and spring counters. Spain’s first-half control yielded just three shots and a modest 0.23 xG, signaling how well Argentina protected the box early. The game changed late on. Lisandro Martínez departed injured on 44 minutes and Nicolás Otamendi stepped in. Gonzalo Montiel gave way at 58 for Nahuel Molina. Rodrigo De Paul was replaced by Giuliano Simeone on 70 as Argentina sought legs and bite.

Spain turned to impact subs. Pedri came on at 62 and added tempo and incision between lines, producing four key passes and 0.47 expected assists. Ferran Torres entered on 62 and would decide it, while Mikel Merino gave fresh energy from 75. Extra time opened with Spain camped high. They created two big chances in ET1 but met a very familiar green wall. In ET2, with Argentina briefly edging possession and stacking defenders, Spain struck from a quick wide action: Williams squared, Torres arrived, 1-0.

How Spain’s standouts drove the win

Rodri orchestrated everything before leaving on 99 minutes. He posted a team-high Sofascore Rating of 8.5 for Spain, completing 101 of 106 passes, winning 8 of 10 duels, and making four tackles, with two key passes and 8 of 9 long balls accurate. His range and tempo set the platform for wave after wave of attacks.

Alongside him, Pau Cubarsí was as tidy as he was assertive. He completed 121 of 126 passes, made seven clearances and two tackles, and even put one shot on target. Pedri’s cameo was all craft and calm: 57 of 61 passes completed, seven recoveries, and those four key passes that tilted momentum. Lamine Yamal kept asking questions with four shots, two on target, and one big chance created. And then came Torres. On in the 62nd minute, he finished with three shots and 0.52 expected goals, the most decisive touch of the night.

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Match MVP: Emiliano Martínez, Sofascore Rating 9.6

It is not often the losing goalkeeper is the best player on the pitch, but the numbers leave little doubt. Emiliano Martínez delivered a towering performance worthy of a 9.6 Sofascore Rating. He produced 11 saves in total, including five from inside the box. Four of those stops counted as big saves, and he prevented 1.81 goals based on shot quality. That kept Argentina alive deep into extra time despite Spain posting 12 shots on target.

Martínez also played a busy role in possession and relief. He had 69 touches and attempted 30 long balls, eight of which found a teammate, valuable meters gained under pressure. He made 14 ball recoveries, came confidently for one punch, and stayed sharp across 120 minutes. Spain created four big chances and piled up 31 touches in Argentina’s area, yet Martínez turned the night into a contest decided by a single finish. On Sofascore, few goalkeepers ever earn a higher match figure; it tells you how much work he had and how well he answered.

A final word

Spain’s data profile reads like a blueprint for control: possession, field position, chances and finally a goal in extra time. Argentina’s reads like a survival plan that very nearly worked, anchored by an elite goalkeeping display. For a full breakdown of the World Cup Final, including player heatmaps, advanced metrics, and each Sofascore Rating, check the match page on Sofascore.