GUWAHATI: Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after substitute Ferran Torres scored a dramatic extra-time winner to seal a 1-0 victory over 10-man Argentina in the final.
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Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute, firing a powerful close-range effort past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who had produced a string of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest for much of the match.
Spain dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, controlling possession and dictating the tempo through Rodri and Fabián Ruiz. Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo repeatedly threatened the Argentine defence, with Yamal creating one of the first major chances before Martínez denied the Barcelona winger with a sharp save.
Argentina found it difficult to play through Spain's high press and were largely restricted to counter-attacking opportunities. Julián Álvarez briefly released Lionel Messi with a through ball in the opening stages, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón rushed off his line to avert the danger.
Spain continued to enjoy the better chances throughout regulation time, but Martínez's heroics ensured the match remained goalless at the end of 90 minutes, forcing extra time.
The decisive moment came in the 106th minute when Torres, introduced from the bench, found space inside the penalty area and struck home the winner to hand Spain their second FIFA World Cup title.
The victory marks Spain's first World Cup triumph since their maiden title in 2010. Argentina, the defending champions, were denied back-to-back World Cup crowns despite another campaign led by captain Lionel Messi.
Messi also missed the opportunity to surpass Kylian Mbappé in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot, as Spain celebrated a memorable victory to reclaim football's biggest prize.