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Spain win World Cup with substitute's extra-time goal
Tim Reynolds • July 20th, 2026 10:55 am
Ferran Torres scores the World Cup-winning goal for Spain in extra time in the final | Photo: EPA
Substitute Ferran Torres has scored in extra time to give Spain a 1-0 win over defending champions Argentina in the World Cup final.
Spain were absolutely dominant in terms of possession and shot attempts in Sunday's title decider at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Lionel Messi and Argentina found a way to hang on and force extra time - but barely.
And in the opening moment of the second 15-minute period of extra time, Torres pounced on a bouncing ball in the box and used his left foot to bury a shot just under the crossbar and into the back of the net.
Ferran Torres (r) reacts after scoring the extra-time winner in the World Cup final | Photo: AP
Enzo Fernandez was sent off in second-half stoppage time after getting his second yellow card, meaning Argentina was forced to finish the match with only 10 players.
Fernandez was carded for a reckless play that sent Spain defender Pau Cubarsi cartwheeling into the air, and the card came out immediately.
Another foul about two minutes after play resumed gave Lamine Yamal a chance to win it from about 22 yards out on a free kick. Yamal's strike was curling toward the right post, and Martinez dived to knock it away for his 10th save of the afternoon - the most ever in a World Cup final.
He leaped to his feet, punching the air and imploring the crowd to get loud. Not long after that came the whistle, sending the game to extra time.
Spain took 15 shots in regulation, Argentina none. Spain took nine corners, Argentina one. And somehow, 90-plus minutes of that sort of dominance wasn't enough.
With their victory, Spain became the first nation to simultaneously hold the World Cup crowns in both men's and women's football.
- AP
