Spain claimed the FIFA World Cup for the second time in their history after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.
The final was defined by discipline and defensive organisation rather than attacking spectacle. Spain controlled possession for much of the contest and created the better opportunities, while Argentina struggled to threaten consistently. The defending champions failed to register a shot on target during normal time and were reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernandez received a red card in the second half.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Argentina resisted for long periods and appeared to be taking the match towards a penalty shootout. That changed early in the second period of extra time when Spain produced the move that decided the championship.
Lamine Yamal drove forward on the right before Pedro Porro delivered a cross into the penalty area. Nico Williams won the aerial duel and headed the ball into the path of Ferran Torres, who calmly controlled it before firing past Emiliano Martinez. It was Torres’ first goal of the tournament and the strike that secured Spain’s second World Cup title, their first since 2010.
Argentina responded with urgency in the closing stages, committing players forward in search of an equaliser. Spain’s defence held firm, clearing repeated deliveries into the box and preventing Lionel Messi from creating one final moment of World Cup magic.
Tempers flared after the final whistle as players from both teams became involved in a confrontation near the touchline. Leandro Paredes was shown a red card before teammates and coaching staff separated the players.
Spain’s victory completes an impressive tournament in which they consistently looked among the strongest teams. Their youthful core, featuring Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Nico Williams and Pau Cubarsi, combined with experienced leaders such as Rodri, has established a squad capable of competing for major honours over the coming years.
For Argentina, the defeat ends their reign as world champions and concludes Lionel Messi’s World Cup career. After lifting the trophy in 2022, Argentina were unable to retain their title, while Spain’s latest triumph signals the return of one of international football’s traditional powers to the top of the global game.
