Spain claimed their second men's World Cup title after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a tense final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday. The victory ends a 16-year wait for the Spaniards, who have not won the trophy since 2010. This triumph completes a historic Euro-World Cup double and makes Spain both men's and women's world champions.
The high-quality match remained scoreless through regulation time, featuring a clash between Luis de la Fuente's polished possession game and Lionel Scaloni's resilient Argentina. The Albiceleste were reduced to 10 men in the 93rd minute when Enzo Fernandez was sent off. Spain eventually broke through in the second period of extra time when substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match in the 106th minute.
The result ends Argentina's reign as world champions and denies Lionel Messi a second consecutive title in what was indicated to be his final World Cup match. Spain's midfield dominance and clinical finishing ultimately outclassed Argentina, marking a passing of the torch as La Roja returned to the top of the soccer world.