Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

After 90 minutes of deadlock, substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their first World Cup title since 2010. The victory also completed an impressive run for Spain, who added the World Cup to their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph.

Spain dominated much of the contest, controlling possession and creating the better chances, but were repeatedly denied by Argentina’s resilient defence and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance, struggled to threaten Spain’s goal and failed to register a shot during regulation time.

The breakthrough finally came early in the second half of extra time when Torres finished clinically after excellent work by fellow substitute Nico Williams, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.

Tempers flared after the final whistle, with players from both sides involved in a confrontation that resulted in further disciplinary action following Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández’s dismissal during the match.

Spain’s triumph marks the country’s second World Cup crown, ending a 16-year wait since their maiden success in South Africa in 2010. For Argentina, the defeat brought an end to their reign as world champions after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022, while Messi left the field visibly emotional following the loss.