Enzo Fernandez and Argentina beaten by Spain in World Cup final | News | Official Site

It is a silver medal for Enzo Fernandez at the 2026 World Cup after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final.

Ferran Torres scored the only goal early in the second half of extra-time. Argentina had ten men by that point after Fernandez was dismissed for a second bookable offence shortly before the end of normal time.

It means our midfielder and his compatriots’ defence of their World Cup crown won in Qatar four years ago has ended at the final hurdle.

Spain had much the better of a first half devoid of clear opportunities in New Jersey. An early, deflected Lamine Yamal shot forced Emiliano Martinez into a good save, while Marc Cucurella fired not far wide of the post with a 20-yard effort.

The half-time introduction of Leandro Paredes allowed Fernandez to push further forward, closer to Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez.

Spain stayed on top. The contest remained scrappy, with Argentina breaking up play at every opportunity. Martinez saved awkwardly from Dani Olmo and then held a header from sub Torres.

By the time the second hydration break of the final came around, Argentina still hadn’t had a shot. Most of Fernandez’s work was being done in his own defensive third. He got booked on 82 minutes for a show of dissent after not being given a free-kick, and then was given a second yellow card as the game entered stoppage time for a late tackle on Pau Cubarsi.

The full-time whistle blew with Argentina still not having had a shot and Martinez having made ten saves, including from a late Yamal free-kick.

Spain thought they had taken the lead early in extra-time through Nico Williams, but the referee’s whistle had blown for a foul by Mikel Merino that was soft at best. The Arsenal man then headed a presentable chance wide.

However, Argentina’s resistance was ended in the first minute of the second half of extra-time. Williams did brilliantly to keep a deep cross alive and head the ball back into the path of Torres, who finished with aplomb.

Argentina's only chance of the game arrived in the 122nd minute, but Giuliano Simone blasted over the bar from a well-worked corner routine. For Spain, it is a global title to add to the European one they won two years ago.