Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic World Cup final as Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner secured the country’s second global title and brought the defending champions’ reign to an end.
The European champions finally broke through against 10-man Argentina in the 106th minute, when Torres collected Nico Williams’ header and fired a powerful close-range shot past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Spain had created the better opportunities throughout the contest but struggled to overcome Argentina’s stubborn resistance in a tense and frequently disrupted match.
Argentina’s increasingly physical approach eventually proved costly, with Enzo Fernandez sent off shortly before extra time after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.
Although the occasion had been billed as a clash between two of world football’s leading nations, the final rarely lived up to expectations and developed into a frustrating battle marked by fouls, stoppages and arguments with the referee.
Away from the pitch, the event delivered considerably more spectacle. US President Donald Trump arrived at the New Jersey venue by helicopter before kick-off, while Shakira, Madonna and Justin Bieber performed during the first half-time show staged at a World Cup final.
The performance extended the interval to 27 minutes, adding to the fragmented nature of a match that had already struggled to develop any fluency.
Spain produced the clearer chances in the opening half, with Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal both forcing saves from Martinez.
The Spanish players repeatedly appealed for stronger action from referee Slavko Vincic, particularly after Alexis Mac Allister escaped punishment for a late challenge on Dani Olmo.
The first yellow card did not arrive until the 40th minute, when Lisandro Martinez brought down Oyarzabal. The Manchester United defender was later forced off through injury.
Tensions finally boiled over in stoppage time when Fernandez, who had already been cautioned, received a second booking for his challenge on Cubarsi.
Martinez then produced a superb save from Yamal’s free-kick in the closing seconds of normal time, preventing Spain from finding a late winner before the match moved into extra time.
The Argentina goalkeeper was called into action again after the restart, making another important stop from Williams’ header.
Williams later found the net, but the goal was disallowed after substitute Mikel Merino was judged to have fouled Nicolas Otamendi in the build-up.
Spain’s pressure finally paid off when Williams directed the ball towards Torres, who made no mistake from close range to give his team the lead.
Argentina had recovered from losing positions to defeat Egypt and England earlier in the knockout stages, but they were unable to produce another comeback against a Spain side that remained composed in the closing minutes.
The victory gave Spain their first men’s World Cup title since 2010 and made them the first country to hold the men’s and women’s world championships at the same time.
Spain’s triumph completed an impressive campaign that began with a goalless draw against Cape Verde.
Luis de la Fuente’s side steadily improved as the tournament progressed, defeating Portugal and Belgium before producing an outstanding performance to eliminate favourites France in the semi-finals.
De la Fuente, who also guided Spain to victory over England in the Euro 2024 final, again maintained a calm presence as his players dealt with Argentina’s attempts to disrupt their rhythm.
Fernandez’s dismissal gave Spain the numerical advantage, although they had already looked the more likely side to score.
The introduction of Williams added greater pace and creativity to Spain’s attack, with the substitute ultimately providing the assist for the winning goal.
While the final failed to match the excitement of several earlier matches in the tournament, Spain’s consistency, composure and attacking ambition made them worthy champions.
For Argentina, the defeat may also have marked Lionel Messi’s final appearance at a World Cup.
The 39-year-old had scored eight goals during the tournament and remained central to Argentina’s run to the final, including creating both goals in their 2-1 semi-final victory over England.
However, Spain successfully restricted his influence in New Jersey. Messi managed only one attempt, which failed to test the goalkeeper, and rarely found space in dangerous areas.
Argentina’s cautious and confrontational approach offered him little support, with the defending champions appearing more focused on frustrating Spain than displaying their own attacking quality.
They had produced several memorable moments during their attempt to retain the trophy, but Spain were ultimately the stronger side and deserved to be crowned world champions.
