Spain have been crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time after edging Argentina 1-0 in extra time in Sunday’s final.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal early in the second half of extra time, sealing victory for Spain after a fiercely contested encounter that looked destined for a penalty shootout.
Spain dominated possession and created the majority of the chances throughout the match but struggled to find a breakthrough against Emiliano Martínez, who produced several impressive saves.
The deadlock was finally broken when substitutes combined brilliantly. Pedro Porro delivered a cross into the box, Nico Williams nodded the ball across goal, and Torres calmly slotted home from close range.
Argentina’s hopes had already suffered a major setback after Enzo Fernández was sent off late in normal time for picking up a second yellow card following a foul on Pau Cubarsí.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, the defending champions nearly forced penalties. Lionel Messi saw a late effort blocked before Giuliano Simeone fired over the bar as Argentina launched a late push for an equaliser.
Spain finished with 20 shots and controlled much of the game, while Argentina managed only two attempts, both coming in extra time.
Off the pitch, the World Cup final was packed with entertainment and high-profile guests. FIFA President Gianni Infantino watched from Donald Trump’s private box alongside several world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Spain’s King Felipe.
The final also featured a star-studded pre-match ceremony. Jennifer Hudson performed the United States national anthem, while Robbie Williams entertained fans with FIFA’s official anthem, Desire, before kickoff, which was delayed by six minutes due to the elaborate opening festivities.
