By Kayode Olopade
Spain were crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a tense extra-time final, with Ferran Torres emerging the hero by scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.
The victory secured Spain's second FIFA World Cup title, adding to their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010, while denying Lionel Messi and Argentina the chance to retain the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022.
The showpiece final began six minutes behind schedule following an elaborate pre-match entertainment spectacle featuring British singer Robbie Williams and Hollywood actor Tom Cruise.
Spain stamped their authority on the contest from the opening whistle, dominating possession and dictating the tempo with their trademark passing game. Argentina struggled to gain a foothold, spending much of the match on the defensive and relying on physical challenges to disrupt Spain's rhythm.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal nearly gave La Roja an early breakthrough in the fifth minute after a brilliant exchange with Dani Olmo, but his powerful effort from a tight angle was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Despite Spain's dominance, clear scoring opportunities remained scarce. Luis de la Fuente's side registered the only three shots on target in the opening half, while Argentina failed to produce a single effort before the interval.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Spain controlling possession but unable to find the decisive breakthrough. Argentina's hopes suffered a major setback when Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving the South Americans to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.
Spain believed they had won the match in the 96th minute when Nico Williams bundled the ball into the net after Argentina failed to clear their lines. However, the celebrations were cut short as the referee disallowed the goal, ruling that Mikel Merino had fouled an Argentine defender in the build-up.
With penalties looming, Torres finally settled the contest in the 106th minute, clinically finishing to spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters as La Roja reclaimed football's biggest prize after a 16-year wait.
The triumph crowned Spain as the new kings of world football, while bringing a heartbreaking end to Argentina's quest for back-to-back World Cup titles.
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