Spain crowned world champions for the second time after extra-time victory over Argentina

Spain are world champions

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Spain secured their second FIFA Men's World Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over defending champions Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

The closely contested final was defined by Spain's sustained dominance, Ferran Torres' decisive goal, and Argentina's late setback after Enzo Fernández was sent off. The victory marked Spain's first World Cup triumph since 2010 and capped an exceptional tournament in which they conceded only one goal.

Match Summary

The breakthrough came in the 106th minute when substitute Ferran Torres converted from close range after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro's cross into his path. Torres had entered the match in the 62nd minute, replacing Mikel Oyarzabal, and delivered the goal that ultimately separated the two teams.

Reflecting on the decisive moment, Torres said: "The goal belonged to 47 million people. It wasn't just mine or the 26 players. Destiny was written, and it was meant for us to win far away from our people."

The contest became increasingly tense near the end of regulation. Argentina were reduced to 10 players after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card and was sent off for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí in the 90th minute. Referee Slavko Vincic issued the red card following the dangerous foul, leaving Argentina to play the remainder of the match with a numerical disadvantage.

Spain's Dominance

Throughout the final, Spain controlled possession and created numerous scoring opportunities but were repeatedly denied by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Martínez produced 11 saves, setting a new record for the most saves by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final.

Argentina struggled to generate attacking opportunities against Spain's disciplined defense. Remarkably, their first shot on target came only in the 117th minute when Lionel Messi's effort was blocked.

Ferran Torres celebrate after scoring the winner 

Spain's defensive organization remained a defining feature throughout the tournament. The champions finished the competition having conceded only one goal across eight matches, the fewest goals allowed by any World Cup-winning team despite playing more games than any previous champion.

Messi's Milestone and Reaction

Lionel Messi made history by becoming the first player to start three World Cup finals and the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup final. He concluded the tournament with eight goals, finishing two behind France's Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.

Although Messi has not announced his international future, the tournament likely marked the conclusion of his World Cup career with 21 World Cup goals, one behind Mbappé's all-time record.

After the final whistle, an emotional Messi reflected on the defeat: "I feel sad," said Messi, who was moved to tears after receiving his runner-up medal and staring into the crowd at Argentina supporters. "They were better, to be honest."

Argentina's Response

Argentina entered the final seeking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. However, they were unable to overcome Spain's superiority across the match.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged Spain's performance while expressing pride in his squad's journey. "I feel sadness but knowing that we left everything out there," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "I have a lot of things to say about how we got here but it's not worth it. I want to thank these guys eternally for giving us another World Cup final and for competing until the end.

"They were better, that's the truth. But I'll cherish on to an enormous memory of this group and what they've done, of what it's worth to get this far."

Spain's Historic Achievement

Spain successfully resisted Argentina's late pressure to secure their first World Cup title since defeating the Netherlands in South Africa in 2010.

Torres admitted that facing Messi created added tension but emphasized Spain's confidence in its own style of play. "When you have Messi on the other side, well, you are nervous," Torres said. "At the end of the day, we always depended on us. We always come up with our football, and we showed it again."

Spain's midfielder Rodri lifts the World Cup trophy after his team's win over Argentina. JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images

Head coach Luis de la Fuente celebrated the collective effort behind Spain's triumph. "We are world champions," De la Fuente said. "It was together we reached this stage."

At 65 years old, De la Fuente became the oldest coach to guide a national team to a FIFA World Cup title.

Spain also extended their unbeaten run to 38 matches in all competitions (29 wins, nine draws, no defeats), surpassing Italy's 2018–2021 streak to establish the longest unbeaten run by a men's national team. Additionally, Spain became only the third reigning European champion to win the World Cup, joining Spain's 2008–10 side and West Germany's 1972–74 team.

Tournament Finale

The championship match concluded the 104th and final fixture of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The enlarged format produced a record 307 goals entering the final, making it the highest-scoring edition of the tournament.

The event also attracted an extensive list of high-profile spectators from across sports and entertainment. Actors Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Matt Damon attended alongside NBA stars Stephen Curry, Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, and James Harden.

The crowd also included tennis champions Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, NFL personalities Eli Manning, Patrick Mahomes, Odell Beckham Jr., and Saquon Barkley, skiing legends Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn, as well as football icons Kaká, David Beckham, Didier Drogba, and Zinedine Zidane. Members of Spain's victorious 2010 World Cup squad were also present for a reunion.

President Donald Trump attended the final and was scheduled to participate in the trophy presentation following Spain's historic victory.