Spain captured their second FIFA World Cup title by defeating ten-man Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic, grueling final at MetLife Stadium.
The breakthrough came in the 106th minute when substitute Ferran Torres pounced on a rebound and drove a left-footed strike under the crossbar, ending a historic defensive stand by the reigning champions.
Spain dictated possession and heavily outshot their opponents throughout the match, firing the game’s first 20 shots, but they were repeatedly denied by a stellar performance from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
The dynamic of the match shifted heavily late in normal time when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second yellow card. Despite being shorthanded, Argentina pushed the match into extra time, where Torres finally shattered the deadlock to secure the victory for La Roja.
With this triumph, Spain becomes the first nation in football history to hold both the men’s and women’s senior FIFA World Cup titles concurrently.
The victory also extends Spain’s historic unbeaten streak to 38 consecutive matches, the longest ever recorded by a European men’s national team, while midfielder Rodri was honored with the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
The final marked the likely World Cup farewell for 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who finished a brilliant tournament run just short of consecutive global titles.
