Spain secured its second FIFA World Cup title, defeating Argentina 1-0 in a grueling extra-time final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ferran Torres, a substitute, scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, blasting the ball past Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. This victory marks Spain's second World Cup win, following their 2010 triumph in South Africa. The match saw Spain dominate possession and shots, with 20 attempts compared to Argentina's two.
Argentina, the defending champions, played much of extra time with 10 men after midfielder Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card in the 93rd minute. This defeat denied Argentina the chance to become the first country since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. The tournament was historic, being the largest FIFA World Cup to date with 48 nations competing and attracting over six million fans across three host countries.
Spain's victory was a testament to their dominant play throughout the tournament, having only conceded one goal. Goalkeeper Unai Simon set a new World Cup record for consecutive scoreless minutes, reaching 650 before finally conceding. The final also likely marked the last World Cup appearance for 39-year-old Lionel Messi, considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Spain will receive $50 million as champions, while Argentina, as runner-up, will take home $33 million.
