Ferran Torres came off the bench to score an extra-time winner en route to Spain’s 1-0 victory against 10-man Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup Final in New Jersey.
Spain’s triumphant win –– the nation’ssecond World Cup victory after 2010 in South Africa –– marked the end of the monthlong World Cup series, hosted in the U.S. for the first time since 1994.
“I’ve always said it, winning with your country is the most beautiful thing there is, above all a World Cup,” said Rodrigo “Rodri” Hernández Cascant, Spain’s captain and player of the tournament. “This generation grew up watching (Iker) Casillas and (Andres) Iniesta lift the cup, and that we can do it today is the biggest thing you can do in football.”
Argentina’s Enzo Fernández was sent off after a second yellow card three minutes into second-half stoppage time after a gruesome tackle on Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí. Earlier, the Argentinian midfielder was booked for arguing with Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić.
Another look at the challenge from Enzo Fernández that resulted in his second yellow card and subsequent sending-off. pic.twitter.com/6TAclFhmDY
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 19, 2026
Even before Fernández’s exit, Argentina struggled to create any kind of attack, with Lionel Messi quiet for most of the game as they became the first team on record to not record a single shot during normal time of a World Cup Final (since 1966).
While Argentina struggled, Spain remained patient in their possession, carving out chances when they could, only to be stopped by the gloves of Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made 11 saves––the most on record during a World Cup Final.
But after countless pressures from La Roja, in the 106th minute, substitute forward Ferran Torres powered a volleyed ball into the roof of the net, breaking the deadlock.
Torres, who has suffered with confidence issues marked by outside criticism and subpar performances for his club, F.C. Barcelona, and country, reflected on his personal journey.
“At the end of the day, this is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Torres. “You have to keep working hard no matter what comes your way and, in the end, things always go to those who deserve them most.”
