Spain have been crowned world champions after overcoming Argentina in a tense and physically demanding final. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time as the defending champions finished the match with ten men.

Spain took control from the opening stages

The pattern of the final was established almost immediately. Spain dominated possession, moved the ball patiently and attempted to stretch Argentina’s compact defensive structure.

Argentina were prepared to sit deeper and search for opportunities on the counterattack. Lionel Messi looked to exploit the space behind Spain’s defensive line, but Unai Simón reacted quickly whenever danger emerged.

Lamine Yamal registered one of the first meaningful efforts of the match, forcing Martínez into an important save. The Argentine goalkeeper continued to play a decisive role throughout the evening.

The contest was also highly physical. Argentina attempted to disrupt Spain’s passing rhythm with aggressive challenges, while referee Slavko Vinčić allowed several intense duels to continue without immediately showing cards.

Spain remained the more threatening team. Mikel Oyarzabal tested Martínez, while Argentina struggled to create clear chances at the opposite end.

The defending champions also suffered an injury setback before half-time. Lisandro Martínez was unable to continue and had to be replaced by experienced defender Nicolás Otamendi.

Emiliano Martínez kept Argentina alive

Spain continued to apply pressure after the interval. Argentina lost possession in a dangerous area shortly after the restart, giving Álex Baena an opportunity, but Martínez once again prevented his team from falling behind.

Dani Olmo also tried his luck from distance, while Ferran Torres was denied after an impressive attacking move involving Yamal. Pedri and Aymeric Laporte later had further opportunities as Spain increased the intensity of their attacks.

Argentina offered very little going forward, but their organisation and Martínez’s goalkeeping kept the score level.

Spain pushed even harder during the closing stages. Torres sent one effort narrowly wide, Rodri fired over the crossbar and Nico Williams was stopped by Martínez in added time.

Argentina’s situation became significantly worse when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card and was sent off. Spain almost capitalised immediately, but Martínez saved Yamal’s free-kick.

Despite failing to register a shot on target during the opening 90 minutes, Argentina survived until extra time with the match still goalless.

Ferran Torres scored the decisive World Cup final goal

Spain initially believed they had taken the lead through Nico Williams during the first period of extra time. The goal was disallowed, however, after Mikel Merino was judged to have fouled Otamendi during the build-up.

Merino later sent a header narrowly wide as Argentina dropped increasingly deeper to protect their goal while playing with ten men.

The decisive moment finally arrived in the 106th minute. Nico Williams received possession on the left wing and delivered the ball towards Torres, who finished first time with a powerful effort under the crossbar.

Martínez had produced a series of outstanding saves throughout the final, but he was unable to stop the Spanish forward’s clinical strike.

Torres found the net again several minutes later after going through one-on-one, but the second goal was ruled out for a narrow offside.

Argentina attempted to produce a late response. They created danger inside Spain’s penalty area during the final moments, while Giuliano Simeone sent another effort over the bar.

Spain held firm and protected their one-goal advantage until the final whistle.

Spain deserved their World Cup triumph

Argentina’s defensive resistance and Martínez’s individual performance ensured that the final remained competitive for more than 100 minutes.

Nevertheless, Spain were the superior side across the match. They controlled possession, created considerably more opportunities and maintained their attacking approach despite repeatedly being denied.

The victory completed an exceptional tournament for De la Fuente’s team and delivered Spain another world title.

Argentina, meanwhile, were unable to retain the trophy they had won at the previous tournament. Their disciplined defensive display kept them alive for most of the final, but Fernández’s red card and Spain’s sustained pressure ultimately proved too difficult to overcome.

Ferran Torres will be remembered as the decisive figure after scoring the goal that made Spain world champions.