Spain are champions of the world once again. Luis de la Fuente’s side delivered a tactical masterclass to defeat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to crown Spain’s remarkable campaign.
Ferran Torres Delivers the Defining Moment
After more than 100 minutes of relentless pressure, Spain finally found the breakthrough. In the 106th minute, Ferran Torres clinically finished the move that ultimately decided the World Cup, sending Spanish players and supporters into wild celebrations.
Following the historic victory, Torres summed up the emotions behind his goal.
“It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said, referring to Spain’s population.
Argentina’s Attack Goes Missing Argentina endured one of their most frustrating performances in recent memory. Unable to cope with Spain’s relentless intensity, the South American side managed just 35% possession throughout the match and produced an expected goals (xG) figure of only 0.17.
Even more remarkably, Argentina failed to register a single shot on target. Spain’s compact defensive structure, aggressive high press left Lionel Messi and his teammates with virtually no space to create meaningful opportunities. Every time Argentina attempted to build an attack, Spain immediately closed the passing lanes and forced turnovers, turning the final into a one-way contest.
Argentina’s Attack Goes Missing.
Argentina endured one of their most frustrating performances in recent memory. Unable to cope with Spain’s relentless intensity, the South American side managed just 35% possession throughout the match and produced an expected goals (xG) figure of only 0.17.
Even more remarkably, Argentina failed to register a single shot on target. Spain’s compact defensive structure, aggressive high press, and intelligent positioning left Lionel Messi and his teammates with virtually no space to create meaningful opportunities.
Enzo Fernández’s Red Card Changes the Final
midfielder Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card in the 90+3rd minute, reducing the defending champions to ten men at one of the most crucial moments of the match. From that point onward, Argentina dropped into a deep defensive low block, focusing solely on surviving until penalties. However, Spain continued to dominate possession, patiently searching for an opening.
De la Fuente Makes World Cup History
The victory also secured Luis de la Fuente’s place in football history. At 65 years old, he became the oldest coach ever to lead a nation to the FIFA World Cup title. After lifting football’s most prestigious trophy, the Spanish manager praised the unity of his squad.
“We are world champions,” De la Fuente said. “It was together we reached this stage.”
