Ferran Torres climbed off the bench to score the decisive goal in extra time on Sunday night as Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, breaking the hearts of Lionel Messi and his teammates.
Spain secured their second World Cup title after a tense final against Argentina, with the match decided deep into extra time.
The victory adds another major honour to Spain’s recent success under head coach Luis De La Fuente, who previously guided the team to European Championship glory in 2024.
The triumph places Spain among football’s elite nations, although they remain behind Argentina’s three World Cup victories.
Martinez keeps Argentina alive with stunning saves
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was outstanding throughout the match, repeatedly denying Spain’s attacking threats and keeping the score level for long periods.
Spain had an early opportunity when Lamine Yamal found space inside the penalty area in the fifth minute, but his effort went straight at Martinez when he appeared to have a better chance to score.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper continued his heroics after the break, producing important saves to frustrate Spain.
In the 67th minute, Ferran Torres rose highest to meet a dangerous cross, but Martinez comfortably stopped his header. Fourteen minutes later, he again came to Argentina’s rescue, making a superb save to deny Aymeric Laporte’s header towards the left post.
Argentina reduced to 10 men before extra-time drama
Spain continued searching for the breakthrough and came close again in stoppage time when Nico Williams produced a curling effort from the edge of the box, only for Martinez to make another smart save.
Argentina’s hopes became more difficult moments later when Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card in the 90th minute following a reckless challenge, leaving his side with 10 players.
Despite being a man down, Argentina continued to resist Spain’s pressure, with Martinez making another brilliant stop from Lamine Yamal’s free-kick in the eighth minute of added time.
Ferran Torres delivers Spain’s winning moment
Spain thought they had taken the lead shortly after the start of extra time, but the goal was ruled out following a foul in the build-up.
However, La Roja finally found the breakthrough in the 106th minute.
Nico Williams delivered a header over the defence, allowing Ferran Torres to meet the ball inside the box and fire past Martinez to give Spain a 1-0 lead.
