Spain claimed its second FIFA World Cup title on Sunday after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champion Argentina at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Manchester City forward broke the deadlock in the 102nd minute, finishing a flowing attacking move after both sides had battled through a tense and goalless 90 minutes. His strike proved enough to deliver Spain’s first World Cup triumph since its historic victory in South Africa in 2010.
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The final brought together two of the tournament’s most technically gifted teams. Argentina, seeking to defend the title it won in Qatar in 2022, controlled long stretches of possession early but struggled to convert chances against Spain’s disciplined backline.
Spain gradually grew into the contest, dominating possession after halftime while forcing Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez into several crucial saves. Neither side could find a breakthrough in regulation, sending the championship match into extra time. Torres eventually settled the contest with a composed finish after Spain capitalized on a defensive lapse, sending thousands of Spanish supporters inside Hard Rock Stadium into celebration.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón preserved the lead with key saves in the closing minutes as Argentina launched a desperate search for an equalizer. Spain’s defense remained organized under relentless pressure to record a clean sheet in the tournament’s biggest match.
The victory crowns an impressive campaign for Spain, which entered the tournament among the favorites and showcased its trademark possession-based style under pressure throughout the knockout rounds. The title also marks a significant milestone for a new generation of Spanish stars who have restored the country’s position at the pinnacle of international football.
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For Argentina, the defeat ends its bid to retain the World Cup despite another deep tournament run. The South American powerhouse created opportunities throughout the final but was ultimately unable to break through Spain’s resolute defense.
Torres’ match-winning performance is likely to be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the forward delivering when Spain needed him most. Spain now joins an elite group of nations with multiple FIFA World Cup titles, while Argentina leaves the United States, Canada and Mexico knowing its reign as world champion has come to an end.