Spain are the winners as they edge past Argentina 1-0 as Ferran Torres strikes in extra-time to seal Spain as World Champions.
A dominant display against 10-men Argentina in New York saw the Spanish side scrape past last years winners in which was much described as a one-sided final in which seems to be Lionel Messi’s last dance on the big stage at age 39.
Spain throughout the entire 120 minutes racked up 20 shots with 12 on target with Argentina surprisingly only having two shots which both came in the second half of extra-time which concluded with 0 shots on target with main man, Messi being rather quiet.
Spain could’ve had it wrapped up in normal time if it wasn’t for Aston Villa man Emiliano Martinez making numerous top saves but just couldn’t keep it up as Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game after 106 minutes.
Spain are now unbeaten in all competitive competitions since the 28th March 2023 in a 2-0 defeat in Mount Florida at Hampden Park as Scotland ran away winners in the Euro qualifications.
The Spain goal scorer said: “I think in the end the goal came from 47 million people, not just those of us that are here. Today destiny was written, it was made for us to win. We’re far from our people today but we tried to be as close as possible to them.
“Finals are hard. When you have Messi on the opposing team you do get worried but we always backed ourselves and tried to show our football and I think we managed to do it once again.
“A huge relief [to score]. I’ve been criticised throughout the whole tournament but as as I said before destiny was written. Thanks to God, he always gives me the strength to continue and in the end he grants things to those that most deserve them.”
This is Spain’s just second World Cup trophy since 2010 after winning in South Africa after defeating Netherlands 1-0 after extra-time after Iniesta scoring deep into extra-time.
This World Cup saw Barcelona defender, Pau Cubarsi winning Young Player of the Year for the World Cup, Simon collecting Golden Glove and Rodri winning Player of the Tournament. France striker, Mbappe ended the tournament as top goal scorer. Despite defeat, Martinez broke a record in a World Cup final after 11 saves by Spain.
Overall, a deserved final win for Spain after a disappointing attacking display by Argentina as Spain are crowned world champions for 2026 and for Lamine Yamal, a World Cup at the age of 19.