Spain is world champion once again after substitute Ferran Torres struck a dramatic extra-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.
The Barcelona forward came off the bench to score in the 106th minute, capping a dominant performance from Luis de la Fuente’s side and sealing the country’s second World Cup title in 16 years.
Torres’ decisive goal ended a fiercely contested final and ensured Spain added football’s biggest prize to the European Championship they already hold. The victory marks another significant milestone for La Roja, whose disciplined display and attacking intent ultimately proved too much for the defending champions in one of the tournament’s most eagerly anticipated fixtures.
The winning goal arrived deep into extra time after Spain maintained pressure throughout the contest. Torres made the decisive impact after being introduced from the bench, finding the breakthrough in the 106th minute to hand his country a memorable triumph and spark celebrations among Spanish players and supporters.
Spain entered the final aiming to crown an impressive tournament campaign with the ultimate prize in international football. Having already established themselves as one of Europe’s dominant sides, Luis de la Fuente’s men delivered when it mattered most, producing a composed and determined performance against a highly rated Argentine side.
Argentina fought hard to defend their world title and remained competitive throughout the encounter, but they were unable to find a way past Spain’s organised defence.
As the match stretched into extra time with both teams searching for a breakthrough, Spain continued to create the more dangerous opportunities before finally making their pressure count.
Torres emerged as the match winner after his introduction from the bench gave Spain renewed attacking energy. His clinical finish in the 106th minute proved decisive, leaving Argentina with too little time to mount a meaningful response despite their efforts to force the game to penalties.
The victory represents a landmark achievement for Spain, who have now won the FIFA World Cup for the second time in their history. Their latest success comes 16 years after lifting the trophy for the first time, further cementing the nation’s place among world football’s elite.
For head coach Luis de la Fuente, the triumph is another major accomplishment following Spain’s recent European success. Guiding the national team to both continental and global honours underlines the consistency and quality of a squad that has continued to evolve while maintaining its trademark possession-based style of play.
Torres’ decisive contribution also highlights the depth available to the Spanish squad. Introduced from the bench, the Barcelona attacker delivered the defining moment of the final, demonstrating the impact that substitutes can have in matches of such magnitude.
