Spain are World Cup champions for the second time after a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in a dramatic final at New York/New Jersey Stadium. The match was defined by Spain’s utter dominance, as they held 65% possession and outshot the defending champions 20-2, with Argentina failing to register a single shot on target in 120 minutes.
Despite their control, a combination of heroic goalkeeping from Emiliano Martinez and wasteful finishing kept the game scoreless through regulation time. Argentina’s hopes dimmed in second-half stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card. With La Roja now holding a man advantage, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 106th minute. Substitute Ferran Torres, who had entered the match in the 62nd minute, pounced on a headed layoff from Nico Williams to smash home the decisive goal.
The victory shatters Lionel Messi’s dream of a triumphant farewell and denies Argentina back-to-back titles. For Spain, it completes a stunning period of dominance under coach Luis de la Fuente, adding the world crown to their 2024 European Championship title and confirming their status as the new golden generation of football.
