New York witnessed history on Sunday night as Spain claimed their second World Cup title.
Luis de la Fuente’s team defeated 10-man Argentina 1-0 in additional time and won the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The goal came in the 106th minute from Ferran Torres, and with it, Spain became the new world champions, lifting their trophy 16 years after their first in 2010.
It was not easy. There were dramatic turns. Spain overcame them with patience and loyalty. Let’s check through the moments.
The Final 120 Minutes
From the first time the whistle was blown, their plan was clear. Spain wanted the ball, and Argentina wanted to defend and hit.
For the 90 minutes, the champion stood in dominant positions and tried creating better opportunities. Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal ran at the Argentina defense multiple times. Emiliano Martínez in Argentina’s goal made save after save.
Spain thought they had the breakthrough early in additional time when Nico scored, but the goal was disallowed. Players and fans all got frustrated, but the team stayed focused.
The moment took a turn at the end of normal time. Argentina’s Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card for a heavy challenge on Pau Cubaris. Argentina were down to 10 men.
With one extra player, Spain pushed a lot. Argentina dropped, hoping to survive and take the game to penalties.
But Spain played something different. Six minutes into the second half of additional time, the notable victory took place. Nico drove down the right and crossed. His header back across goal found Ferran at the far post, and the substitute smashed it in from close range.
While Argentina tried its best in the last minutes, Spain defended with full form. Finally, after the whistle blew, the Spanish players fell to the ground.
The Best Goal Maker
Ferran Torres is the name at the forefront that made Spain a world champion for his performance in the 106th minute.
Instead of a long-range screamer, this was a striker’s goal. He was at the right place at the right time. No doubt, Nico Williams worked hard, but Torres gave it the finish.
Torres came off the bench and completely shifted the game. That goal ended Argentina’s reign and began a new chapter for Spain.
The Winning Team with Multiple Stars
Spain’s victory was different because, unlike other titles won by one superstar, they won collectively, especially the new generation. Like, Lamine Yamal (18) played so well without any fear. He took on defenders and played like he had been part of the World Cup final his whole life.
Nico was the left and right outlet who were supporting the winner. His super-fast speed tore Argentina apart late in the game. Finally, Torres became the hero of the match. Pau Cubarsi stayed calm despite pressure from Messi and Argentina.
The Heartbreaking Moment for Argentina
For the runner team, it was a tough night. They reach the finals, defending champions with Messi. But the team did not manage a single shot in 90 minutes. They defended bravely with 10 men for 30 minutes.
Despite giving everything, Messi couldn’t get space. He even missed out on the Golden Boot to Kylian Mbappé.
After this second title, Spain has not just won a title, but it has also proven that they are one of the great nations in football history.
When Spain won the World Cup in 2010, it was tiki-taka. But this team was faster and more direct. While Spain still holds the same idea: control the game, believe in each other.
