Spain have won the men’s World Cup for the second time, grinding down a stubborn Argentina side 1-0 after extra time in New York/New Jersey on Sunday.
Ferran Torres struck the only goal of a bruising, stop-start final that Argentina nearly dragged into a stalemate through spoiling tactics. Their approach backfired when Enzo Fernández picked up a second yellow card late on, leaving them a man short heading into extra time. Spain had already been the dominant side, racking up 20 shots to Argentina’s two, both of which came in the closing stretch as they searched for an equaliser.
The breakthrough came in the 106th minute. Pedro Porro’s cross to the back post was cushioned back into play by Nico Williams, and Torres pounced to beat goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, sending the Spanish camp into wild celebration.
Martínez had kept Argentina alive with a string of outstanding saves, but neutrals watching — including the many celebrities in the stands — were glad to see him finally beaten, given how cynically his side had approached the game. Argentina did not manage a single shot on target until the 115th minute, when Lionel Messi, playing what may be his last World Cup match, saw his effort headed away by Mikel Merino.
Tempers flared after the final whistle. Argentina’s Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes reacted angrily, and a brief scuffle broke out among players. Paredes was sent off after shoving Spain’s Gavi to the ground.
Messi’s World Cup journey may be over
At 39, Messi may have played his final World Cup match, though not before dragging an ageing Argentina side to the final following gruelling knockout wins over Egypt and England. On the biggest stage, though, he was largely nullified as Spain’s crisp passing and physical resilience took over.
Argentina had hoped to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. Spain, younger and sharper, denied them that piece of history.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni conceded his side had come up against the better team. He said Spain deserved the win but that he would hold onto pride in what his squad had achieved to reach the final, later breaking down in tears during his post-match press conference.
Star-studded half-time show
The final’s half-time show — the first ever staged at a World Cup final — featured Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS and Coldplay, alongside Brazilian football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo and cast members from “Ted Lasso.” The Super Bowl-style production also paid tribute to the late Pelé and closed with a performance of “Seven Nation Army” led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel, featuring musicians from the US, Venezuela and Iran.
England had earlier beaten France 6-4 in a high-scoring third-place playoff on Saturday, their best World Cup finish since they won the tournament outright in 1966.
Kylian Mbappé became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals and claimed the Golden Boot with 10 goals in this edition, two clear of Messi, finishing as top scorer for a second straight World Cup.
The build-up to this year’s tournament — jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States — had been overshadowed by concerns over high ticket prices, geopolitical tensions, and fears that extreme summer heat could disrupt matches. But the expanded 48-team format, the largest and most complex in the competition’s history, is instead likely to be remembered for its thrilling football and overall atmosphere.
Former US President Donald Trump described the tournament as one of the most successful sporting events ever staged.
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