Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after substitute Ferran Torres struck a dramatic extra-time winner to seal a deserved 1-0 victory over Argentina in one of the most dominant World Cup final performances in history.
Torres emerged as Spain’s hero in the 106th minute, firing home from close range after fellow substitute Nico Williams kept a deep cross alive inside the penalty area. The forward thought he had doubled Spain’s lead later in extra time, but his second effort was ruled out for offside.
Despite the narrow scoreline, Spain completely controlled the contest, leaving the reigning world champions chasing shadows for almost the entire match.
Had the final been judged like a boxing contest, it could have been stopped long before the final whistle, such was Spain’s overwhelming superiority.
Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession from the opening whistle, dictated the tempo and pinned Argentina deep inside their own half for long periods.
The statistics highlighted the gulf between the two teams.
Argentina failed to register a single shot until extra time, finally recording their first attempt of the match after more than 90 minutes of football.
Even more remarkably, La Albiceleste did not manage a shot on target until the 118th minute, underlining Spain’s complete control throughout the encounter.
The South Americans struggled to build meaningful attacks, completing only two passes inside Spain’s final third during the opening 30 minutes and failing to record a single touch inside the Spanish penalty area during the entire first half.
Their fortunes improved little after the break, with their few attacking opportunities arriving only in the closing stages as they desperately searched for an equaliser.
Spain, meanwhile, repeatedly threatened but found Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in inspired form.
The Aston Villa shot-stopper produced a string of impressive saves to frustrate Spain’s relentless attacks and keep his side in the contest for more than 100 minutes.
However, Martínez could do nothing to prevent Torres from breaking the deadlock when Williams’ persistence created the decisive opportunity inside the six-yard box.
Torres reacted quickest to smash the ball into the roof of the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
The victory crowned Spain as world champions once again after producing one of the most commanding displays ever witnessed in a FIFA World Cup final, while Argentina were left to reflect on a night in which they were comprehensively outplayed despite the slender margin of defeat.
