Ferran Torres Strikes in Extra Time as Spain Beat Argentina to Win Second World Cup

Photo: FIFA

Ferran Torres came off the bench and scored a dramatic 106th-minute winner as Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

It was not a final filled with goals, but it had everything else: relentless Spanish pressure, an inspired Emiliano Martinez, injuries, a red card and, finally, one decisive moment in extra time.

Spain controlled the match almost from the first whistle, but Argentina refused to break. Lionel Scaloni’s side defended deep, fought for every loose ball and stayed alive largely because of another outstanding performance from Martinez.

However, after more than 100 minutes of resistance, Spain finally found their way through.

Pedro Porro delivered a cross towards the far post, where Nico Williams rose to head the ball back into the danger area. Torres reacted instantly and smashed a first-time finish into the roof of the net.

Martinez, who had saved almost everything thrown at him during the evening, had absolutely no chance this time.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters. For Argentina, it was the moment their dream of defending the World Cup finally slipped away.

Spain made their intentions clear within the opening five minutes.

Dani Olmo found Lamine Yamal in space on the right side of the penalty area. The teenager fired a low shot towards the near post, but Martinez got down quickly to make the save.

Spain enjoyed most of the possession and patiently moved the ball around Argentina’s defensive block. But Argentina remained organised, compact and determined not to give Yamal, Olmo or Mikel Oyarzabal any room in the final third.

As half-time approached, Spain began creating clearer opportunities. Oyarzabal tested Martinez with a powerful effort, while Marc Cucurella dragged another shot wide.

Argentina, meanwhile, struggled to carry any attacking threat. Lionel Messi was left isolated, with Spain cutting off the passing routes around him and ensuring that the Argentine captain rarely received the ball in dangerous areas.

Scaloni’s problems increased when Lisandro Martinez was forced off just before the interval. Nicolas Otamendi replaced him, and Argentina later lost their other starting centre-back, Cristian Romero, who was replaced by Facundo Medina after 70 minutes.

Despite those setbacks, the defending champions continued to hold on.

Spain increased the pressure after the break, with Yamal at the heart of almost every promising move.

In the 67th minute, the Barcelona youngster created an excellent opportunity for Torres, but the forward’s header went straight at Martinez.

Pau Cubarsi, Pedri and Nico Williams also tested the Argentina goalkeeper as Spain continued to attack. Martinez produced the save of the match near the end of normal time, flying across his goal to keep out a dangerous Yamal free-kick.

Argentina had scored 19 goals on their journey to the final, but Spain’s control was so complete that Messi and his teammates did not register a single attempt during the opening 90 minutes.

Their situation became even more difficult in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card following a challenge on Cubarsi.

Argentina would have to play extra time with ten men.

The pattern of the match did not change in extra time. Spain attacked. Argentina defended. Martinez kept making saves.

The goalkeeper denied a Williams header, while Mikel Merino sent another opportunity wide. Both Williams and Torres also had goals ruled out as Spain searched desperately for the breakthrough.

Then, in the 106th minute, the pressure finally told. Porro’s cross was headed down by Williams, and Torres completed the move with a finish worthy of winning a World Cup final.

Argentina continued to fight despite being a player down, but there would be no final piece of Messi magic. Spain remained composed, managed the closing minutes and celebrated their second World Cup title when the final whistle arrived.

Just like Andres Iniesta’s famous extra-time winner against the Netherlands in 2010, Spain once again needed 120 minutes to become world champions.

This time, Ferran Torres was the hero.