Spain’s long wait for a breakthrough in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally over for an unlikely hero. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time to give Spain a dramatic 1-0 win over defending champions Argentina, sealing the nation’s second World Cup title and ending it. Lionel Messithe dream of keeping the crown.Torres struck in the 106th minute, just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time, capping off a dominant Spanish display that had somehow remained scoreless for 90 minutes despite relentless pressure.
Torres delivered when Spain needed him most
The winning goal came from a fluent Spanish move. Pedro Porro whipped in a deep cross into the penalty area, Nico Williams got a feel for the ball in the back of the goal, and Torres timed his run perfectly before smashing a left-footed finish into the roof of the net.The strike finally broke Argentina’s stubborn resistance after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest.Spain completely controlled the proceedings, finishing with 15 shots in regulation compared to Argentina, while also winning nine corners to that of Argentina. Lionel Scaloni’s team managed to survive until extra time, despite going long periods without the ball.Argentina’s task became even tougher after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in second-half stoppage time for a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi. Reduced to 10 men, the defending champions were unable to recover once Torres found the breakthrough.The win also saw Spain create history by becoming the first nation to simultaneously hold the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles.
Who is Ferran Torres?
Ferran Torres García is a Spanish international striker who plays for Barcelona and the Spain national team. Comfortable as a winger and central striker, Torres has built a reputation for intelligent movement, clinical finishing and delivery at crucial moments.The 26-year-old began his professional career with Valencia, making his senior debut in 2017 before earning a move to Manchester City in 2020. During his spell in England, he won the Premier League and the EFL Cup under Pep Guardiola before joining Barcelona in January 2022.Although Torres initially faced criticism and inconsistency after arriving at Camp Nou, he turned his fortunes around in the following seasons. He played a vital role in Barcelona’s domestic treble campaign in 2024-25 and followed it up with his most prolific scoring season, scoring 21 goals to help the Catalan giants reclaim the La Liga title.On the international stage, Torres progressed through Spain’s youth ranks before making his senior debut in 2020. He represented La Roja at UEFA Euro 2020, FIFA World Cup 2022 and UEFA Euro 2024, where Spain lifted the European Championship.Now, Torres has etched his name into Spanish football folklore. His extra-time winner against Argentina not only secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title but also ensured he will always be remembered as the man who denied Lionel Messi and Argentina a historic back-to-back World Cup triumph.