Spain reached football immortality once again. Sixteen years after lifting the World Cup in South Africa, La Roja defeated Argentina 1-0 in an epic, dramatic and exhausting final that required extra time to crown a champion.

The hero was Ferran Torres. The Shark appeared in the 106th minute to capitalize on a rebound inside the penalty area and score the goal that finally broke La Albiceleste’s resistance, dethroned Lionel Messi’s team and placed a second star above the Spanish crest.

Spain Dominates, but Dibu Keeps Argentina Alive

From the opening whistle, Spain took control of the match. The Spanish side dominated possession, pressed relentlessly and created the most dangerous opportunities of the final.

Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pedri, Pau Cubarsí, Mikel Merino, Nico Williams and Ferran Torres all tried to break down an Argentine wall that found its greatest savior in Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez.

The Argentina goalkeeper kept his team alive with several decisive interventions. He stopped long-range efforts, controlled the aerial game and delivered in the moments of greatest pressure. Even when he appeared beaten, he found a way to preserve the draw.

Spain’s superiority was overwhelming. Argentina completed regulation without creating consistent danger in the opposition’s penalty area, but it survived thanks to its defensive discipline and another extraordinary performance from Dibu Martínez.

The Red Card That Changed the Final

The match took a decisive turn in stoppage time. Enzo Fernández committed an unnecessary foul following a save from the Argentine goalkeeper, received his second yellow card and left La Albiceleste with 10 players.

From that moment, Spain increased the pressure even further. Lamine Yamal nearly scored from a free kick, Nico Williams had a goal disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper and Mikel Merino wasted a clear header that narrowly missed the post.

The final appeared to be heading toward a penalty shootout, but La Roja never stopped believing.

Ferran Torres Writes His Name Into History

In the 106th minute, the moment Spain had been waiting for finally arrived. After another attack inside the penalty area, the ball fell loose and Ferran Torres reacted with a striker’s instinct to send it into the back of the net.

The Shark roared on the biggest stage in world football.

Argentina tried to respond in the closing minutes. Nicolás Tagliafico came close following a cross from Giuliano Simeone, while the Argentine forward himself fired a rebound over the crossbar from inside the area. However, the equalizer never came.

The final whistle confirmed the beginning of a new era. Spain dethroned the defending champions, ended Lionel Messi’s dream of a fourth title for Argentina and captured the second FIFA World Cup in its history.

From Andrés Iniesta in Johannesburg to Ferran Torres in New Jersey. From 2010 to 2026. Two different generations, the same shirt and one nation standing once again at the top of the world.

Spain are world champions. La Roja’s second star is now shining.

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