Spain are World Cup champions after a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres decided the final early in the second period of extra time, finishing after Nico Williams and Pedro Porro helped create the opening.
The match was defined by Spain’s control and Argentina’s inability to build sustained pressure. ESPN’s report lists Spain with 20 shots, 12 on target, while Argentina produced only two attempts and did not seriously threaten until very late in extra time.
Emiliano Martínez kept Argentina alive for long stretches with a reported 11 saves, but Spain’s pressure eventually told. Enzo Fernández’s late second yellow card, after a foul on Pau Cubarsí, left Argentina chasing the game with even fewer options.
For Lionel Messi, who had said this would be his final World Cup, the defeat closed a tournament in which he was credited with eight goals and four assists. For Spain and Luis de la Fuente, the result adds a world title to their European crown and underlines a tournament built on possession, defensive control and patience.
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