SPAIN CROWN THEMSELVES WORLD CHAMPIONS: TORRES EXTRA-TIME STRIKE BREAKS 10-MAN ARGENTINA IN TENSE 2026 FINAL

Despite attempts to help Argentina retain, Spain emerged victorious...

By The Azanian Sport Desk

New York/New Jersey Stadium

NEW JERSEY – Spain are world champions. Despite controversial refereeing decisions and desperate attempts to help Argentina retain their World Cup, La Roja emerged victorious with a 1-0 extra-time win over the holders in a tense 2026 final.

Ferran Torres broke Argentine hearts in extra-time to make history on Sunday night, as Spain became the first nation to win the Euros and World Cup double on two separate occasions.

Argentina, the reigning champions, were reduced to 10 men in the dying seconds of normal time when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card. Torres made them pay 8 minutes later.

Spain were the dominant side from kickoff at New York/New Jersey Stadium. They controlled possession, pressed high, and created the better chances but were denied by a combination of poor finishing and contentious match official decisions.

Argentina, led by a tearful Lionel Messi, struggled to find rhythm. The Albiceleste simply did not turn up on the night and were hanging on as the game went to extra-time.

The turning point came in the 90th minute. Fernandez was shown his second yellow for a bookable offence and sent off. With Argentina down to 10, Spain pounced.

GOAL! In the 98th minute, Ferran Torres found the breakthrough. It was enough to seal it.

Nico Williams thought he had added a second but his effort was ruled out. No goal stood.

With the win, Spain follow up their European Championship victory over England two years ago. They are now the first country ever to complete the Euros-World Cup double twice.

The crowning moment came as captain Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy. No interference from Donald Trump this time as the Spain skipper raised football's biggest prize. The US President was booed as he made his way out to present the trophy alongside FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.

It was a clean sweep for Spain on individual honours too:

- Golden Ball - Player of the Tournament: Rodri 

- Golden Glove: Unai Simon - conceded just one goal all tournament  

- Young Player of the Tournament: Pau Cubarsi

Rodri’s win capped a return to his very best on the biggest stage.

For Argentina, it was a night to forget. The 2022 winners were second best throughout and the red card to Fernandez killed any hope of a comeback.

As Messi and co collected their runners-up medals, Spain celebrated becoming kings of world football again.

The Azanian | Sport. Truth. Fearless.