Spain win FIFA World Cup as Ferran Torres sinks Argentina in extra time

NEW YORK: The final whistle blew, and Spain’s golden generation struck gold once again. Spain captured their second FIFA World Cup title after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a gripping final at MetLife Stadium, bringing the curtain down on the first-ever 48-team World Cup.

The breakthrough came just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time when Ferran Torres converted a clever move that had been building throughout the contest. A deep cross from Pedro Porro was headed back across goal by Nico Williams, allowing Torres to fire a first-time half-volley beyond Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

The strike proved decisive, handing Spain their first men’s World Cup triumph since 2010 and denying Argentina the chance to defend the title they won in Qatar four years earlier.

Spain dominated large spells of the final, controlling possession and creating the bulk of the chances, but Martínez produced a string of outstanding saves to keep Argentina in contention deep into extra time. Argentina struggled to create meaningful opportunities as Spain’s defence maintained its composure under pressure.

The defeat marked what is widely expected to be the final FIFA World Cup appearance for Lionel Messi. The Argentine captain, who inspired his country to World Cup glory in 2022, was left heartbroken as Spain finally broke through after more than 100 minutes of relentless attacking football.

The victory also cemented Spain’s place in football history. La Roja conceded just one goal throughout the tournament, setting a new benchmark for defensive excellence by a World Cup-winning side. The triumph also extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 38 international matches, the longest by a European men’s national team.

Adding another milestone, Spain became the first country to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles, following the women’s triumph in 2023.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also entered the record books, becoming the oldest manager to win the men’s FIFA World Cup at the age of 65.

The individual honours reflected Spain’s dominance throughout the tournament. Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, while Unai Simón received the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper. Young defender Pau Cubarsí was named Best Young Player after an impressive breakthrough campaign. The Golden Boot went to Kylian Mbappé, who finished as the tournament’s leading scorer.

The trophy was presented to Spain captain Rodri by FIFA president Gianni Infantino alongside US President Donald Trump, sparking celebrations that stretched from East Rutherford to Madrid.

For Spain, the victory signalled the arrival of another era of footballing supremacy. For Argentina and Lionel Messi, it was a painful end to a remarkable World Cup journey, but one that will remain etched in football history alongside Spain’s latest moment of glory.