By Joke Kujenya
SPAIN ARE the 2026 World Cup champions after defeating Argentina 1 0 following 120 tense minutes in Sunday’s final.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Ferran Torres emerged as the match winner after the second half substitute broke the deadlock in the 106th-minute of extra time to secure Spain’s second World Cup title.
Argentina failed to register a shot on target throughout the match as Lionel Messi missed the chance to lift another World Cup trophy.
Much of the build-up centred on Messi and Lamine Yamal, widely regarded as his heir apparent.
Photos of a 20-year-old Messi bathing a five-month-old Yamal during a UNICEF fundraising campaign resurfaced before the final.
Spain took control after Argentina were reduced to 10 men.
Coach Luis de la Fuente introduced fresh legs, including Eric García and Martín Zubimendi, while keeping Torres at the heart of the attack.
The decisive moment arrived just after the start of the second period of extra time.
Spain worked a slick passing move through a tiring Argentina defence before Nico Williams found Torres, who calmly finished beyond Emiliano Martínez in the 106th minute.
A VAR review confirmed the goal.
Spain dominated possession with 63 percent of the ball and forced Martínez into several saves after recording 11 shots on target. Rodri anchored the midfield as Spain controlled the tempo for most of the contest.
Argentina’s task became even harder in stoppage time at the end of regulation when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, leaving the defending champions with 10 men before extra time.
Spain remained in control and never looked like surrendering their advantage.
Torres’ goal capped a dominant display after he converted Williams’ pass to finally break the deadlock.
Argentina pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a way through.
The final also featured the first World Cup final halftime show with performances by Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and other artistes.
United States President Donald Trump presented the trophy to Spain captain Rodri before remaining nearby as Spain celebrated their victory.
Spain had started the tournament with a goalless draw against Cape Verde before growing into the competition and finishing as champions.
The final was dominated by Spain from the opening whistle as they controlled possession and patiently moved the ball despite constant pressure from Argentina.
Although clear chances were limited in the first half, Spain gradually wore down their opponents and laid the platform for the decisive goal.
After halftime Spain pinned Argentina deep inside their own half and continued to dictate play.
Messi found little space throughout the match as Spain quickly closed him down whenever he received possession.
Spain thought they had opened the scoring in the second half when Nico Williams finished a loose ball, but the effort was ruled out for a foul on Nicolás Otamendi during the build up.
Fernández was later dismissed after collecting a second yellow card, leaving Argentina to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.
Martínez produced several important saves before Torres finally beat him in extra time after another attacking move involving Williams.
Argentina responded after falling behind and pushed forward in the closing moments but could not find an equaliser.
Spain secured their second World Cup title with a disciplined performance and a decisive extra time finish from Torres.
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