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Spain are world champions once again after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift their second FIFA World Cup title.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winner in the 106th minute after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro’s cross into his path, finally breaking Argentina’s resistance after a final largely controlled by Luis de la Fuente’s side. The holders were later reduced to 10 men when Enzo Fernández was sent off, but Spain had already established themselves as the better team long before the breakthrough.
The final had been billed as Lionel Messi against Lamine Yamal, yet it was Spain’s collective strength that proved decisive. They dictated possession, controlled midfield and restricted Argentina to their first shot only in the 117th minute, underlining the defensive discipline that defined their campaign. The victory completed a remarkable tournament in which Spain conceded just one goal across eight matches, consistently outplayed opponents and reclaimed the World Cup 16 years after their triumph in South Africa.
Details
- Winning moment: Ferran Torres came off the bench to score from close range in the 106th minute after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro’s cross into his path.
- Spain in control: Argentina failed to register their first shot until the 117th minute as Spain dominated possession and limited the defending champions to almost no meaningful attacking opportunities throughout the final.
- Tournament’s standout team: Spain completed the World Cup with the competition’s best defensive record, conceding only one goal in eight matches while repeatedly relying on different players to deliver in key moments.
- Red card: Argentina’s difficult evening worsened when Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving the holders to finish the final with 10 players.
- Historic achievement: Spain became reigning European and world champions, adding the FIFA World Cup to the UEFA Nations League and European Championship won under Luis de la Fuente.
- Messi denied title defence: Argentina fell short of becoming only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup, while Messi’s future at football’s biggest tournament remains uncertain.
What Else
- Spain sweep the major awards: Captain Rodri was named the tournament’s Golden Ball winner after another commanding campaign in midfield. Goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove, while Pau Cubarsí was named Young Player of the Tournament, reflecting Spain’s dominance throughout the competition.
- Mbappé claims the Golden Boot: France captain Kylian Mbappé finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals, securing a second consecutive World Cup Golden Boot. Messi finished second with eight goals.
- Messi yet to confirm his future: At 39, the defeat is widely expected to mark Messi’s final World Cup appearance, although the Argentina captain has not confirmed whether he has played in the tournament for the last time.
- FIFA to assess post-match confrontation: Tempers flared after the final whistle as players from both teams became involved in a confrontation. FIFA is expected to review the incident before deciding whether any disciplinary action is warranted.
