Times Square Erupts as Spain Wins World Cup, Ending Argentina’s Title Defense
MANHATTAN, N.Y. — New Yorkers and tourists stood shoulder to shoulder in Times Square on Sunday, watching the final moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup wherever they could find a screen before Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
Crowds gathered outside packed bars, peering through windows and open doorways as televisions inside carried the championship match from New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
Others stopped along the sidewalks to follow the game on LinkNYC screens, while another crowd formed around the FOX One Chief World Cup Watcher installation in Times Square, where the match was being viewed from inside a transparent cube.
For much of the afternoon, the normally fast-moving pedestrian plazas became an unofficial public watch party. Strangers crowded together beneath the billboards, reacting collectively to scoring opportunities, saves, and controversial moments as the score remained tied through regulation.
Argentina supporters dominated much of the atmosphere before the match, filling sections of Times Square with blue-and-white jerseys, flags, chants and songs. Thousands of supporters had gathered in the area ahead of kickoff as Argentina attempted to defend the championship it won in 2022.
The tension continued into extra time before Ferran Torres scored for Spain in the 106th minute, breaking the scoreless deadlock and putting Argentina’s hopes of a second consecutive championship in jeopardy.
When the final whistle sounded, Spanish supporters erupted in celebration as disappointed Argentina fans watched their national team’s title defense come to an end.
Fans wearing Spain’s red and yellow colors jumped, hugged and waved flags while others recorded the celebration on their phones. Chants echoed through portions of Times Square as tourists paused to watch the spontaneous reaction unfold beneath the neighborhood’s towering electronic signs.
Argentina supporters remained visible throughout the area following the loss, with some embracing one another while others stood silently and continued watching the postgame coverage through bar windows and public screens.
Spain’s victory secured the country’s second men’s World Cup championship and its first since 2010. Torres’ extra-time goal proved to be the only score of the match as Spain defeated the defending champions 1-0.
Although the final was played across the Hudson River in New Jersey, the scenes in Times Square reflected the tournament’s international reach. New Yorkers, visiting supporters and tourists from around the world shared the sidewalks, windows and screens of Midtown Manhattan for the final match of the six-week tournament.
