Substitute Ferran Torres scored in extra time as Spain defeated 10-man Argentina 1-0 to claim their second FIFA World Cup title.
Spain are world champions for the second time after overcoming defending champions Argentina in a tense and physical World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The match remained goalless throughout regulation time before Torres broke Argentina’s resistance in the 106th minute. The Barcelona forward finished a flowing Spanish move to deliver his country its first men’s World Cup triumph since 2010.
Argentina entered the final attempting to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive men’s World Cups. However, Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled to create opportunities against a Spanish team that controlled possession and dictated the tempo for long periods.
Spain settled into the contest quickly, moving the ball patiently through Rodri and Fabián Ruiz while stretching Argentina’s defence with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
Argentina defended deeply and relied on goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to keep them level. The Aston Villa goalkeeper produced a series of saves as Spain increased the pressure without finding a breakthrough during the opening 90 minutes.
Lionel Messi was closely monitored whenever he received possession, with Spain preventing the Argentina captain from influencing the match in dangerous areas. Argentina’s attacking difficulties were reflected in their failure to register a shot on target during regulation time.
The defending champions’ task became even more difficult during second-half stoppage time when Enzo Fernández was sent off for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
The dismissal left Argentina with 10 players heading into extra time and gave Spain an even greater advantage in possession and territory.
Luis de la Fuente’s substitutions eventually produced the decisive moment.
Nico Williams and Pedro Porro combined to create space on the right side before the ball reached Torres inside the penalty area. The substitute directed his finish beyond Martínez in the 106th minute, sparking celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
Argentina attempted to mount a late response and finally began pushing more players forward despite their numerical disadvantage.
Spain remained composed, protecting the centre of the field and limiting Argentina’s opportunities during the closing stages. Unai Simón and the Spanish defence held firm as the final whistle confirmed La Roja as world champions.
The victory completed an outstanding period for Spanish football. Spain followed their European Championship triumph in 2024 by winning the World Cup two years later, establishing De la Fuente’s young side as the leading force in international football.
Spain’s success was built around a blend of experienced midfield control and emerging talent. Rodri provided authority throughout the tournament, while Yamal, Williams and Cubarsí played prominent roles despite their young ages.
The result also ended Argentina’s four-year reign as world champions.
Messi was unable to reproduce the decisive performance that helped Argentina win the 2022 final against France. The 39-year-old received his runner-up medal after what may prove to have been his final World Cup appearance, although his international future had not been formally confirmed immediately after the match.
For Spain, the victory adds the 2026 title to the country’s breakthrough World Cup triumph in South Africa in 2010.
Torres became the unlikely match-winner after entering the game during the second half. His only goal of the tournament proved to be the most important, securing Spain’s second world championship and ending a 16-year wait for the trophy.
