Torres fires Spain to World Cup glory, ends Argentina’s reign

By Daniel Akinte

Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Ferran Torres scored a dramatic extra-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final at New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Torres, introduced from the bench, struck in the 106th minute after pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area and rifling a left-footed effort beneath the crossbar. The goal handed Spain their second men’s World Cup title, 16 years after lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010, while denying Lionel Messi a second consecutive World Cup triumph in what is expected to be his final appearance at the tournament.

“It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said after the match, dedicating the winner to Spain’s population.

Although the scoreline suggested a closely contested encounter, Spain dominated proceedings from start to finish. Luis de la Fuente’s side registered the first 20 attempts of the match before Argentina managed a shot, controlled possession throughout, and forced goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez into a World Cup final-record 12 saves to keep the reigning champions in contention.

Messi admitted Argentina had been second best on the day, saying, “I feel sad. They were better, to be honest.” The 39-year-old was visibly emotional after receiving his runners-up medal, fuelling speculation that the final marked the end of his illustrious World Cup career.

Spain‘s triumph was built on one of the greatest defensive campaigns in World Cup history. They conceded just one goal in eight matches, setting a new record for the fewest goals allowed by a World Cup-winning team. The victory also extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 38 matches—29 wins and nine draws—the longest ever by a European nation.

The achievement was historic in more ways than one, as Spain became the first country to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles following the women’s success in 2023.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente also entered the record books as the oldest manager to win the men’s World Cup at 65 years old.

“We are world champions,” de la Fuente said. “It was together we reached this stage.”

Argentina’s hopes suffered another blow when Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí, forcing the South Americans to finish the match with 10 men.

Despite the disappointment, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players for their efforts while acknowledging Spain’s superiority.

“There is sadness, but also the knowledge that we gave it our all,” Scaloni said. “The other team was better.”

The final concluded the largest FIFA World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The expanded tournament produced more than 300 goals in 104 matches and attracted a global audience of around two billion viewers, while the final itself drew over 80,000 spectators and numerous celebrities.

Spain’s victory prevented Argentina from becoming the first nation since Brazil (1958 and 1962) to win back-to-back men’s World Cup titles, bringing an end to the Albiceleste’s reign and ushering in a new era of Spanish dominance on the world stage.