Spain has been crowned world champion for the second time in its history. La Roja defeated Argentina’s Albiceleste 1-0 after extra time on Sunday near New York, thanks to a goal by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute. This victory allows the Spaniards to add a second World Cup to their record, sixteen years after their first title in 2010, and denies Lionel Messi a second consecutive world title.
Long deadlocked, the final opened up after the expulsion of Enzo Fernandez for a second yellow card in stoppage time of the second half (90+4). With a numerical advantage, the Spaniards finally made the difference when Ferran Torres volleyed a ball deflected by a Nico Williams header to beat Emiliano Martinez.
Dominant in play, Luis de la Fuente’s men had to be patient against a defensively disciplined Argentine side. The outgoing world champions rarely troubled the Spanish defense, creating only a few opportunities throughout the match.
This title confirms the rise of the Spanish team since their Euro 2024 triumph. Supported by a solid collective, a midfield led by Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, and a defense that conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, Spain went through the competition without being truly troubled, except for an opening draw against Cape Verde.
Lamine Yamal, hampered by a left thigh injury for much of the competition, did not have the expected influence in his first World Cup. However, the introduction of Nico Williams during the match proved decisive, as the Athletic Bilbao winger was at the origin of the action that led to the winning goal.
For Argentina, the defeat ends the hope of retaining the title won in 2022 and becoming the first nation to achieve a world double since Brazil in 1962. Despite a journey marked notably by a victory against England in the semi-finals, the Albiceleste could not find solutions against the Spanish organization.
At 39, Lionel Messi was likely playing in the last World Cup of his career. Remaining quiet in the final, the Argentine captain finished the tournament with eight goals, bringing his total to 21 in World Cup history. The Golden Boot goes to France’s Kylian Mbappé, who scored ten goals and set a new record with 22 goals in World Cup final phases.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-20 07:11:47 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
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