By Zobia Zulfqar 
Spain won the FIFA World Cup after beating Argentina 1-0 in a tense final that was decided in extra time. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match in the 106th minute to hand Spain its first World Cup title in years and complete another major achievement for the European champions.
The final, played in New Jersey, brought together the defending world champions Argentina and a confident Spanish side that had impressed throughout the tournament. Football fans around the world expected an exciting contest between two talented teams. Instead, the match turned into a tight and physical battle with few clear chances during normal time.
Spain controlled possession for much of the game and created the better scoring opportunities. Argentina focused on defending deep and looked to hit Spain on the counterattack. The South American side worked hard to frustrate Spain, but struggled to create dangerous attacks of their own.
Spain came close to taking the lead in the first half. Lamine Yamal tested Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with a dangerous effort, while Mikel Oyarzabal also forced the goalkeeper into making an important save. Martinez remained calm under pressure and helped keep the score level before halftime.
The match became increasingly physical as both teams fought for every ball. Several tough challenges interrupted the flow of the game, and the referee handed out yellow cards to players from both sides.
Argentina suffered a major setback late in the second half when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card and was sent off. His dismissal left Argentina with 10 players just before the match entered extra time.
Playing with a numerical advantage, Spain increased the pressure and pushed more players forward. Argentina defended bravely, but it became harder to keep Spain away from goal.
The breakthrough finally came in the 106th minute. Substitute Nico Williams delivered a headed pass into the penalty area, where Ferran Torres reacted quickly. Torres struck the ball from close range and beat Martinez with a powerful finish to give Spain a 1-0 lead.
The goal sparked celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters. Torres’ finish proved to be the decisive moment in a match where chances had been limited.
Argentina refused to give up despite being down to 10 men. The defending champions searched for an equaliser during the remaining minutes of extra time, but Spain’s defence stayed organised and denied every attack.
Martinez continued to make important saves and kept Argentina in the contest until the final whistle. Earlier in the match, he had produced several excellent stops, including a save from Lamine Yamal’s free kick in the closing moments of normal time. He also denied Nico Williams with another impressive save during extra time.
Spain thought they had scored again when Nico Williams found the net, but the goal was ruled out after a foul on Nicolas Otamendi during the build up. Despite the disappointment, Spain remained in control and protected its one goal advantage.
The final also attracted global attention away from the football. United States President Donald Trump attended the match before kickoff, while music stars Shakira, Madonna and Justin Bieber performed during the first ever World Cup halftime show. The performance extended the halftime break and became one of the biggest entertainment moments of the tournament.
Spain’s victory capped an impressive World Cup campaign. The team combined strong defending with creative attacking football throughout the competition. Young stars such as Lamine Yamal continued to impress, while experienced players provided leadership during difficult moments.
For Ferran Torres, the winning goal marked one of the biggest moments of his international career. His calm finish under pressure secured Spain’s place in football history and rewarded the team for its dominance throughout the final.
Argentina, which entered the match as defending champion, finished as runner up after a determined effort. Despite losing a player late in the game, the team defended courageously and remained competitive until the final whistle.
Spain’s triumph adds another major international trophy to its collection and confirms the country’s return as one of the strongest teams in world football. The victory will be remembered for Torres’ extra time winner, Spain’s disciplined performance, and a final that tested the determination of both teams before producing a worthy world champion.
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