Spain are once again world champions after defeating Argentina 1-0 during extra time in a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 final in New York New Jersey.

A tense and fiercely contested match between two of football’s giants remained deadlocked throughout normal time, with both sides creating chances but neither able to find the breakthrough. Defences stood firm and goalkeepers produced a series of important saves as the final lived up to its billing as a battle between two outstanding teams.

The decisive moment arrived in extra time when Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute, sending Spanish supporters into celebration and securing Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title. The goal proved enough to separate the teams, despite a late push from Argentina in search of an equaliser.

Spain’s triumph capped an extraordinary tournament campaign in which they remained unbeaten, combining attacking flair with defensive discipline throughout the competition. The Spanish side navigated a difficult knockout path, overcoming Portugal in the Round of 16, Belgium in the quarter-finals, France in the semi-finals and finally Argentina in the final.

For Argentina, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to another impressive World Cup run. Led by Lionel Messi, who broke the all-time World Cup scoring record during the tournament, Argentina once again demonstrated their quality but fell just short on football’s biggest stage.

As captain Álvaro Morata and his teammates took in the enormity of their win, amid scenes of jubilation, Spain celebrated a historic achievement that will be remembered for generations. Their success confirmed the return of La Roja to the summit of world football and etched the names of this talented squad into World Cup history.

Spain’s victory also brought the curtain down on an unforgettable FIFA World Cup 2026, a tournament filled with surprises, emerging nations, dramatic knockout encounters and memorable moments that captivated football fans around the globe.

As the football world counts down to tonight’s FIFA World Cup final, artificial intelligence has weighed in with its prediction – and it’s backing Argentina to edge Spain in a closely contested showdown.

After analysing thousands of data points, including team form, player performances, goals scored, defensive records and head-to-head statistics, several AI prediction models are giving Argentina a narrow advantage over Spain.

One of the most common scoreline forecasts is a 2-1 victory for Argentina, with Lionel Messi tipped to either score or play a decisive role in the match. Some AI models have also named Messi as the likely Player of the Match, while predicting the final will be settled within 90 minutes.

Spain, however, remains far from an underdog. The European champions have impressed throughout the tournament with disciplined defending, clinical finishing and a possession-based style that has frustrated opponents.

While AI can process vast amounts of historical data in seconds, it cannot predict the emotion, drama and unpredictability that make football the world’s most popular sport.

History is filled with matches that defied statistics, from giant-killing upsets to dramatic late winners and penalty shoot-outs that left millions stunned.

Fans have been quick to debate the AI prediction on social media, with many insisting that “football isn’t played on a computer.” Others have embraced the technology, comparing their own score predictions with those generated by artificial intelligence.

Whether AI proves to be a football genius or gets it spectacularly wrong will only become clear when the final whistle blows.

One thing is certain: when Argentina and Spain step onto the pitch tonight, algorithms will take a back seat to skill, passion and whatever surprises football has in store.

So, who’s your pick? Argentina? Spain? Or will the World Cup be decided after extra time or penalties? Tonight, the beautiful game will have the final answer.

VISIT ATN AND ARIANA NEWS’ SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES TO COMMENT AND HAVE YOUR SAY ON WHO YOU THINK WILL WIN. 

Don’t forget – fans across Afghanistan can tune in to Ariana Television from 10pm tonight, Sunday July 19, for the preshow ahead of kickoff of tonight’s much anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup final.