Spain claimed their second FIFA World Cup crown after Ferran Torres struck the decisive goal in extra time to seal a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in Sunday’s final.

After a goalless 90 minutes, Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute, smashing home from close range to hand Spain a historic triumph. The goal came from Spain’s relentless attacking display, with the European champions dominating proceedings and finishing the match with 20 attempts, while Argentina failed to register a single shot on target.

The victory echoed Spain’s maiden World Cup success in 2010, when Andres Iniesta scored the winner against the Netherlands in extra time. This time, Torres etched his name into Spanish football history with another memorable extra-time finish.

Torres found the net after substitute Nico Williams laid the ball into his path, allowing the former Manchester City forward to beat Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Williams had earlier thought he had given Spain the lead, but his effort was ruled out after VAR spotted a foul by Mikel Merino on Nicolas Otamendi during the build-up.

Argentina defended resolutely for much of the contest despite spending long periods under pressure.

Martinez produced several outstanding saves to keep his side in the game, particularly after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time for a reckless second yellow-card offence.

The South Americans nearly forced penalties in stoppage time of extra time, but Giuliano Simeone fired over the bar with their best chance of the match.

Lionel Messi endured a frustrating evening in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance. The Argentina captain touched the ball only 54 times during the three-hour encounter, which included a 27-minute half-time break, and was unable to inspire his side. He also missed out on claiming his first World Cup Golden Boot, with France’s Kylian Mbappe finishing two goals ahead in the scoring charts.

Spain’s latest triumph extends manager Luis de la Fuente’s unbeaten record in tournament football. Having already won the UEFA European Championship in 2024, his side now adds the World Cup to an impressive list of achievements after an outstanding campaign in which they defeated both France and Argentina.

The final was overshadowed by ugly scenes after the final whistle as tensions boiled over between players from both teams.

Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina confronted several Spain players during the celebrations. Molina appeared to elbow Rodri, while Paredes allegedly kicked Eric Garcia before shoving him around the neck as tempers flared.

Another Spain substitute also became involved before teammates intervened. Paredes, who had already been booked shortly after replacing a teammate at half-time, was eventually shown a red card for his role in the confrontation.

Match Highlights
5’ – Lamine Yamal forced the first save of the match.

39’ – Mikel Oyarzabal tested Emiliano Martinez.

77’ – Pedro Porro and Pau Cubarsi both came close as Martinez denied Spain again.

90+3’ – Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

90+9’ – Martinez produced another brilliant save to stop Yamal.

96’ – Nico Williams had a goal ruled out following a VAR review.

106’ – Ferran Torres scored the winning goal.

114’ – Torres had another effort ruled out for offside.

120+2’ – Giuliano Simeone missed

Argentina’s final opportunity as Spain secured victory.Spain also dominated the individual honours at the tournament:
Player of the

Tournament: Rodri

Golden Glove: Unai Simon

Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsi

Reacting after the final whistle, Torres said: “I think in the end the goal came from 47 million people (approximately the population of Spain), not just those of us that are here.

“Today destiny was written, it was made for us to win. We’re far from our people today, but we tried to be as close as possible to them.

“Finals are hard. When you have [Lionel] Messi on the opposing team, you do get worried, but we always backed ourselves and tried to show our football and I think we managed to do it once again.

”[It was] a huge relief [to score]. I’ve been criticised throughout the whole tournament but, as I said before, destiny was written.

“Thanks to God, he always gives me the strength to continue and in the end he grants things to those that most deserve them.”
Midfielder Mikel Merino also praised Spain’s performance, saying: “Unbelievable. It’s the perfect moment for us.

“We are such a golden generation with these young players that give everything they have for this country, for these fans. Luckily, we got the trophy today.

“It was a game about concentration. We knew we were a better team in terms of football.

“The pitch was dry, it was a difficult game because they are a very, very competitive side and they know how to make the game difficult for you. I think the team was outstanding today and we deserve it.

“When you are facing a low block and you have a team that is defending in your own box, you have to attack the box with bodies on the line and then control the transitions.

“We have very good players that can cross the ball, big threats in the box and the old-school way of scoring goals and we did it.”