Spain claimed the FIFA World Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina after extra time on July 19, securing their first world crown since 2010.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, finishing clinically after Nico Williams headed down a cross to break the deadlock in a tightly contested final.
The European champions controlled much of the match, particularly during the opening half, limiting Argentina to few attacking opportunities while creating the better chances. Goalkeeper Unai Simón was rarely called into action as Argentina struggled to establish their usual rhythm.
Argentina suffered a setback just before halftime when defender Lisandro Martínez was forced off through injury and replaced by veteran Nicolás Otamendi.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Spain maintaining attacking pressure. Torres came close before the end of normal time, but his header was comfortably saved by Emiliano Martínez, who produced a series of outstanding stops to keep Argentina in the match. The Aston Villa goalkeeper made 10 saves during regulation time, the most by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final.
The match remained goalless after 90 minutes, despite Spain dominating possession and creating the clearer opportunities. Argentina captain Lionel Messi was largely kept quiet, while the defending champions failed to register a single shot on target throughout the final.
Argentina’s hopes suffered another blow in stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí.
Spain thought they had taken the lead in the 97th minute when Nico Williams found the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul by Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić.
Torres eventually settled the contest in extra time, firing home in the 106th minute to hand Spain their second FIFA World Cup title, drawing level with France and Uruguay. Brazil remains the tournament’s most successful nation with five World Cup triumphs.
The final, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, featured an elaborate pre-match ceremony and a star-studded halftime show. US President Donald Trump was among those in attendance.
Argentina entered the final as FIFA’s top-ranked team after winning the 2024 Copa América, while second-ranked Spain arrived as the reigning UEFA European champions.
Argentina had been aiming to become only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup, following Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962), but fell short against an impressive Spanish side.
France captain Kylian Mbappé finished the tournament as the Golden Boot winner with 10 goals, while Argentina’s Lionel Messi ended with eight. England secured third place after defeating France 6-4 in the playoff on July 18.
