Spain Win World Cup as Ferran Torres' Extra-Time Goal Breaks Argentina's Resistance in New Jersey Final

East Rutherford, New Jersey – Spain are world champions for the second time in their history after Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the World Cup final in the 106th minute, breaking the resistance of a negative Argentina side that failed to register a shot on target until the 115th minute.

It was the triumph of an idea, an identity. Of an unshakable and patient faith. And when it was over, Spain's new generation having emulated the one from the 2010 World Cup, all of those legendary names, there was simply delirium for them.

Spain were the only team that turned up to play this World Cup final, from the first whistle to the last in extra time. Argentina were damned by their lack of ambition even before they had Enzo Fernández sent off towards the end of regulation time. It was extraordinary to report that they did not have an attempt on goal until the 115th minute.

Torres' Moment of Glory

The goal came in the 106th minute and it was nothing less than Spain deserved. Pedro Porro crossed deep and it was a wonderful header back by the substitute Nico Williams. It teed up another replacement, Ferran Torres, for the opportunity of his lifetime. The finish was high and true.

Torres, who had come off the bench, ran onto the ball 10 yards out and slammed it into the roof of the net with his left foot. The Spain substitute joined an elite club of players who have scored the winning goal in a World Cup final: Angelo Schiavio, Alcides Ghiggia, Helmut Rahn, Gerd Muller, Jorge Burruchaga, Andreas Brehme, Andres Iniesta, Mario Götze – and now Ferran Torres.

A Dominant Performance

Spain did not let Argentina play. Just as they have barely let any of their opponents do so during the course of this tournament. Their miserly defence has been the cornerstone of everything. They have been breached just once in their eight matches.

The question that came to pound concerned their ability to find a way through the sky blue and white ranks. It was the only question. Spain stayed true to their style; to who they are. The possession. The cohesive movements. The control. When they found the answer, it was the moment when they knew that a second World Cup triumph was about to become gloriously real.

Argentina flickered in the very closing stages. The substitute Giuliano Simeone lashed a half chance high. But there would be no successful defence of the title they won in 2022; no fairytale sign-off for Lionel Messi. He could not suppress the tears as he gazed at the Argentina support afterwards.

Individual Honors

Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, capping a remarkable tournament for the Spain midfielder who has been back to his metronomic, unflappable best. He gets a "well played" from Trump, and a trophy to go alongside his Ballon d'Or.

Pau Cubarsí won the Young Player of the Tournament award, beating teammate Lamine Yamal to the honor. The Barcelona centre-back was thoroughly deserving; Spain conceded just one goal in the entire tournament.

Unai Simón won the Golden Glove as the tournament's best goalkeeper, having conceded just once in eight matches.

Trump and Infantino Present Trophy

It ended almost as Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump had planned. Earlier on a seemingly endless World Cup final day the trophy had, in a scene perfectly of a piece with the event's excess, been let out of a Louis Vuitton trunk. Now they shuffled up to the podium together and presented it to a beaming Rodri, fumbling the moment slightly when Trump lingered for Spain's team photo.

Trump told Rodri "you're my favourite player" – and then stopped the Spain captain for another chat as he's about to lift the trophy. Even Infantino looked embarrassed at this point, but Trump insisted on standing alongside the Spain players, who eventually focused on the business of celebration.

Controversy and Ugly Scenes

There was an ugly flashpoint after full time when Leandro Paredes, who had come on as a substitute, was given a red card for grabbing the Spain replacement Eric García by the throat. Argentina's reaction in defeat was shameful. They turned their backs on the Spain players as the trophy was presented, preferring to keep their eyes on the fans behind one of the goals.

As in 1990, Argentina's attempt to defend their trophy has ended with two men being sent off in the final. Paredes could have been sent off several times during the game. One of the Argentina players punched a Spanish substitute in the stomach as well.

Spain's Historic Achievement

Spain have become the first team to hold the World Cup in both men's and women's football. Their triumph at this tournament brooks no argument. They're the purest football team in the world and the best.

It took them a long time to break down a fiercely resilient Argentina, but Ferran Torres assumed the Iniesta role by scoring the winning goal in the 106th minute. The goal was nothing less than they deserved from a performance of complete dominance.

De la Fuente's Reaction

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, whose unstarry team now have a second star on their shirts, saw his side complete a tournament of remarkable dominance. Spain conceded just one goal in eight matches – the best defensive record in World Cup history for a champion.

What This Means for Spain

Spain have now won two World Cups (2010 and 2026) and three European Championships (1964, 2008, 2012, 2024). This generation has cemented its place alongside the legendary 2010 team as one of the greatest in football history.

For Argentina, the defeat ends a remarkable run. Messi and his team had won their previous three tournaments – two Copa Américas either side of the last World Cup. They had not lost a knockout tie since the 2019 Copa América. They got what they deserved here.