Spain crowned World Cup champions with tense victory over Argentina

Last updated 11:35am

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Lionel Messi of Argentina and Lamine Yamal of Spain.

Lionel Messi of Argentina and Lamine Yamal of Spain.

Lionel Messi of Argentina and Lamine Yamal of Spain.

Lionel Messi of Argentina and Lamine Yamal of Spain.

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final in New Jersey.

Watch the full match replay and highlights on TVNZ+

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Leandro Paredes of Argentina pushes Gavi of Spain to the ground resulting in a brawl and a red card for Paredes after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Argentina player shoves rivals in ugly post-match scuffle

Things were briefly chippy between the teams post-match.

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Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) cries at the end of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Messi in tears as World Cup crown passes from Argentina to Spain

He fought back tears and had a look of misery as he and teammates faced applauding and bowing Argentina fans at the stadium's south end.

11:51am

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Spain's Ferran Torres (7) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina.

Watch: The goal that won Spain the World Cup

Ferran Torres' extra-time winner also made Spain the first nation to hold the men's and women's World Cup titles at the same time.

10:15am

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President Donald Trump listens as FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026.

Trump celebrates World Cup as US victory ahead of final

“It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it’s going to remain,” Trump said at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City.

Sunday 6:30pm

3:12

Kylian Mbappé celebrates his second goal against England.

Mbappé takes lead in Golden Boot during thrilling defeat to England

The striker scored twice in England's 6-4 victory over France to take a two-goal advantage over Argentina rival Lionel Messi.

Sunday 11:42am

England players pose for a photograph after receiving their third place medals after their 6-4 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final

England take home World Cup bronze after wild 6-4 win over France

It was the highest-scoring World Cup game since 1982, and the 10 goals were the most in a third-place match.

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