Spain secured their second World Cup title with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium. Ferran Torres settled the contest early in the additional period, crowning a tournament in which La Roja conceded only once and surpassed Italy’s record for the longest unbeaten run in international football, stretching their streak to 38 matches.
Extra-time breakthrough
The decisive moment arrived when substitute Nico Williams stretched the Argentine defence and created the opening for fellow replacement Torres to fire past Emiliano Martínez. The goal rewarded relentless Spanish pressure that produced 20 attempts on goal compared to Argentina’s two, though Martínez produced a historic individual performance with 12 saves—the most by any goalkeeper in a World Cup final—to repeatedly deny Lamine Yamal and Pedri.
Argentina’s approach relied on physicality and disruptive tactics that slowed the tempo but created little attacking threat. The Albiceleste failed to produce a shot during the regulation 90 minutes, managing only one speculative effort from Lionel Messi in the 117th minute that deflected wide. Spain’s defensive organisation ensured goalkeeper Unai Simón did not make a save throughout the 120 minutes.
Discipline and injuries undo Argentina
The reigning champions’ task became impossible when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card late in normal time and was dismissed. Argentina had already lost both starting centre-backs, Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero, to injury during the match, depriving them of their most composed ball-players and forcing a defensive reshuffle. With Messi largely isolated by Spain’s coordinated pressing, the 39-year-old was unable to influence proceedings and stood as a passenger for much of the contest.
The victory confirms Spain’s status as Europe’s dominant force, adding a second star to their jersey 16 years after their first triumph in South Africa. Rodri was named player of the tournament, while Fabián Ruiz extended his personal unbeaten streak in international football to 50 games. Facundo Medina also made history as the first Marseille player to appear in a World Cup final in two decades. Luis de la Fuente’s tactical flexibility proved decisive throughout the knockout stages, with substitutes combining for the winner just as Mikel Merino had scored twice from the bench in earlier rounds against Portugal and Belgium.