Spain have been crowned world champions for the second time after an extra-time strike from Ferran Torres secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over ten-man Argentina in the World Cup final.
The substitute struck in the 106th minute at the New York New Jersey Stadium to finally break the deadlock after 90 minutes of relentless Spanish pressure had been frustrated by a masterclass from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
The defending champions’ resistance crumbled deep into stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second bookable offence, leaving Argentina to play the entire 30 minutes of extra time with ten men.
The victory brings an end to Argentina’s reign at the summit of global football and secures Spain their first world title since their historic triumph in South Africa 16 years ago.
Martínez frustrates La Roja
Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession from the opening whistle and nearly led within five minutes when teenage winger Lamine Yamal forced a sharp save from Martínez.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper single-handedly kept the holders in the tie, pulling off an extraordinary string of saves to deny Aymeric Laporte, Nico Williams, and Torres himself during normal time.
Argentina’s evening grew increasingly complicated just before the interval when key defender Lisandro Martínez was forced off with an injury, compelling manager Lionel Scaloni to introduce the veteran Nicolás Otamendi.
The turning point
As Spain continued to probe, the defining moment of the match arrived in the dying seconds of normal time:
- The Red Card: Enzo Fernández committed a reckless challenge that earned him a second yellow card, reducing Argentina to ten men.
- VAR Drama: Spain believed they had taken the lead early in extra time, but Mikel Merino’s close-range finish was chalked off following a lengthy video assistant referee review for a foul in the build-up.
- The Breakthrough: The relentless pressure finally paid off in the 106th minute. Nico Williams rose highest to meet a cross, cushioning a header into the path of Torres, who swept the ball past Martínez.
Historic heart-break for Argentina
A desperate late push from Argentina yielded no rewards as the Spanish backline held firm to spark wild celebrations on the pitch.
The dramatic conclusion etches Torres’ name alongside Andrés Iniesta—the only other Spaniard to score a winning goal in a men’s World Cup final, who also struck in extra time in 2010.
For Argentina, the defeat enters the history books for the wrong reasons. They have become the first nation to see three players sent off across men’s World Cup final history, with Fernández joining Pedro Monzón and Gustavo Dezotti from their infamous 1990 defeat to West Germany.
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