Spain are world champions once again. A stunning extra-time strike from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina, ending La Roja’s 16-year wait for football’s biggest prize and securing only their second FIFA World Cup crown after their iconic triumph in 2010.

The final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was a story of Spanish dominance against Argentine resilience. Spain controlled possession from the opening whistle, repeatedly testing Argentina’s defence with relentless attacking football. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a remarkable performance, making a World Cup final record 11 saves to keep Argentina in the contest for more than 100 minutes.

But even Martínez could do nothing when Nico Williams brilliantly headed the ball into the path of Ferran Torres, who unleashed a thunderous finish into the net in the 106th minute. The decisive strike finally broke Argentina’s resistance and sent Spanish players and fans into wild celebrations.

“I didn’t think too much. I just saw the ball coming to me and hit it with the power of all the Spanish people,” Torres said after the match.

Spain looked set to double their advantage later in extra time when Torres found the net again on a swift counterattack. However, the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside, leaving the contest alive until the final whistle.

Argentina’s task became even tougher after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off in extra time following a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí. Reduced to 10 men, the defending champions struggled to mount any meaningful response.

For much of the match, Lionel Scaloni’s side failed to trouble Spain’s defence, managing no shots on target during regulation time despite Lionel Messi seeing plenty of the ball. Only in the closing minutes did Argentina create a couple of late opportunities, but Spain held firm to complete a memorable victory.

The defeat ended Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup. After the final whistle, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Spain’s performance while expressing pride in his players’ fighting spirit.”

We need to give the opponent the credit they deserve. They played very well. I already cried my heart out in the locker room, but I’m thankful to this group because they were warriors. We competed against an amazing team,” Scaloni said.

Spain’s latest triumph marks the beginning of a new golden chapter for La Roja, whose blend of youthful energy and tactical brilliance proved too strong on football’s grandest stage. With Ferran Torres delivering the defining moment, Spain have once again climbed to the summit of world football.