11 Saves, One Goal, One Broken Streak: Emiliano Martínez's Unforgettable World Cup Final

Emiliano Martínez's extraordinary record of never losing a senior club or international final came to an end on Sunday as Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Ferran Torres' extra-time winner not only secured Spain's second World Cup title but also handed Martínez the first final defeat of his professional career. The loss came despite the Aston Villa goalkeeper producing one of the finest individual displays ever seen in a World Cup final.

Ferran Torres ends Emiliano Martinez's perfect finals record

Heading into the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, Martínez had won all seven previous finals he had contested for club and country.

His unbeaten run included triumphs in the:

• 2020 FA Cup
• 2020 FA Community Shield
• 2021 Copa América
• 2022 FIFA World Cup
• 2022 Finalissima
• 2024 Copa América
• 2026 UEFA Europa League

That perfect record was finally broken when Torres found the net in the 106th minute to give Spain a 1-0 victory after more than 100 minutes of resistance from the Argentine goalkeeper.

Emiliano Martinez sets new World Cup final saves record

Although Argentina failed to retain the trophy, Martínez delivered a historic goalkeeping performance.

The 33-year-old made 11 saves, the most by any goalkeeper in a men's FIFA World Cup final since official records began in 1966.

The previous record of eight saves had stood for more than three decades, dating back to the 1994 World Cup final between Brazil and Italy.

Martínez repeatedly frustrated Spain's star-studded attack throughout normal time, producing crucial stops to deny Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal and several other Spanish attackers as Argentina held on until extra time.

His heroics ultimately delayed, but could not prevent, Spain from finding the breakthrough.

Ferran Torres finally breaks Argentina's resistance

After remaining goalless through 90 minutes, Spain finally found a way past Martínez in the second period of extra time.

Substitute Ferran Torres converted in the 106th minute, scoring the only goal of the final to crown Spain world champions for the second time after their maiden triumph in 2010.

The strike also ended Argentina's hopes of successfully defending the title they won in Qatar four years earlier.

A historic display despite heartbreak

While the defeat marked the end of Martínez's remarkable finals streak, his individual performance has earned widespread praise.

The Argentine goalkeeper's record-breaking 11-save display kept his side in contention for almost two hours against a dominant Spanish team and is already being regarded as one of the greatest goalkeeping performances in a World Cup final.

Ultimately, however, it was Torres' extra-time finish that proved decisive, ending one of football's most remarkable finals records and denying Martínez an eighth consecutive victory on the biggest stage.