local
Spain scores late to beat defending champ Argentina in World Cup final
By Associated Press at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· July 19, 2026
· 1 min read
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Spain substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to give his team a 1-0 win over defending champion Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday. Spain was absolutely dominant in terms of possession and shot attempts. Lionel Messi and Argentina found a way to h...
Key takeaway (AP) — Spain substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to give his team a 1-0 win over defending champion Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina may have taken place over 1,800 miles away in East Rutherford, New Jersey, but the excitement and drama of the match likely resonated with El Paso 's sizable soccer fan base. Many local residents, particularly those with Latin American roots, closely follow international soccer and have strong allegiances to teams like Argentina, led by the iconic Lionel Messi. The city's diverse cultural landscape, with strong Mexican and Spanish influences, creates a unique environment where soccer is a beloved sport. As a result, Sunday's thrilling match was probably the subject of lively discussions and debates at local restaurants, bars, and gathering spots, with some El Pasoans celebrating Spain's victory and others lamenting Argentina's narrow defeat. The passion for soccer in El Paso is undeniable, and major international matches like the World Cup final have a way of bringing the community together.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Spain substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to give his team a 1-0 win over defending champion Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday. Spain was absolutely dominant in terms of possession and shot attempts. Lionel Messi and Argentina found a way to h...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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