Spain win World Cup as Torres extra-time strike dethrones 10-man Argentina

Sports footballTop Newsworld cup Spain win World Cup as Torres extra-time strike dethrones 10-man Argentina Ferran Spain Argentina 2026 1 Relevant News Spain win World Cup as Torres extra-time strike dethrones 10-man Argentina 20 July 2026 Dozens missing after passenger ferry sinks off coast of Guyana 19 July 2026 Heavy traffic on Famagusta-Larnaca highway 19 July 2026 newsroom 20 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Substitute Ferran Torres scored a 106th-minute winner in extra time as a dominant Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 on Sunday to capture their second men’s World Cup title. The victory at a packed MetLife Stadium denied Lionel Messi a fairytale second consecutive crown in what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance. The triumph also sees Spain make football history by becoming the first nation to hold both the men’s and women’s senior World Cup titles simultaneously. Luis de la Fuente’s European champions completely dictated the tempo of the final, outshooting Argentina 20-3 across a grueling 120 minutes. However, they were repeatedly frustrated by a spectacular performance from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who made a World Cup final-record 12 saves to single-handedly drag his side into extra time. Argentina’s resistance began to unravel late in normal time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off in the third minute of stoppage time. Fernández received a straight second yellow card from referee Slavko Vincic for a reckless, high challenge that flipped Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí into the air. Reduced to 10 men, the South Americans struggled to retain any meaningful possession. Spain finally converted their territorial dominance just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time. Nico Williams delivered a precise headed knockdown inside the penalty box, allowing Torres to pounce on the bouncing ball and smash a left-footed half-volley under the crossbar. “It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said after the match, celebrating his first goal of the tournament. Argentina attempted a desperate late rally, with reserve Giuliano Simeone firing over the crossbar from a Messi corner in the dying moments, but Spain held firm to extend their remarkable unbeaten run to 38 matches. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Dozens missing after passenger ferry sinks off coast of Guyana Heavy traffic on Famagusta-Larnaca highway Tsitsipas wins Swiss Open title to claim first ATP Trophy in 16 months New yellow warning issued as temperatures expected to reach 40C Pyrga fire brought under control after burning 10 hectares (updated) Customs seize €46,000 in undeclared luxury goods at Larnaca Airport Airport and seaport in Jordan evacuated due to ‘credible threat’, US embassy says Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.