NEW YORK — Spain won the FIFA World Cup for a second time after substitute Ferran Torres scored in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in Sunday's final, ending Lionel Messi's bid to retain the title.
Torres struck in the 106th minute at New York New Jersey Stadium, finishing first time after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro's cross into his path. The goal capped a match in which Spain controlled possession and created the majority of the chances before finally breaking through against Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
The victory gave Spain their first men's World Cup title since 2010 and completed another major achievement under coach Luis de la Fuente, whose side arrived at the tournament as European champions.
Argentina, seeking back-to-back World Cup crowns after their triumph in Qatar in 2022, defended resolutely for more than 100 minutes despite sustained Spanish pressure. Martínez produced a series of saves to keep the score level before Torres found the decisive breakthrough.
The South Americans' task became more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time at the end of normal play following a second yellow card, leaving Argentina to contest extra time with 10 players.
According to FIFA's official match report, Spain dominated from the opening stages, with Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Pau Cubarsí all testing Martínez before the interval. Argentina, meanwhile, struggled to create opportunities and did not register a shot until late in extra time.
De la Fuente said after the match that his players' commitment had been central to the team's success.
"I feel especially proud of this generation of footballers," the Spain coach said, adding that Martínez's performance had delayed what he believed could have been an earlier victory.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged Spain's superiority while praising his players' efforts throughout the tournament.
"They were better, that's the truth," Scaloni said after the final whistle, according to FIFA.
The final also marked what could be the last World Cup appearance for 39-year-old Messi, who helped Argentina lift the trophy in 2022 and reached a third World Cup final in his career. FIFA confirmed Torres was named Player of the Match after scoring the tournament's decisive goal as Spain celebrated their return to the top of world football.
