Spain’s extra-time edge: Torres, Rodri and Williams define a tight final

Spain won the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 against Argentina after extra time, with Ferran Torres coming off the bench to score the deciding goal. The match report’s ratings framed Spain’s midfield control and late attacking changes as central to the result.

Rodri received the highest individual mark among Spain’s starters, rated 9 for a commanding midfield display. Nico Williams also earned a 9 after entering as a substitute, providing the assist for Torres and adding directness against a tiring Argentina defence.

Argentina still had standout moments, especially from Emiliano Martínez, who was rated 8 after making several important saves before the winner. But the game turned harder for Argentina after Enzo Fernández was dismissed for a second yellow card, while injuries to Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez added further strain.

For Spain, the ratings suggest a balanced victory: defensive recovery from Pau Cubarsí after an early mistake, attacking influence from Lamine Yamal, and decisive contributions from the bench. For Argentina, Lionel Messi’s 6 rating underlined a final in which he could not reshape the contest on his own.