Spain dethrone Argentina to win second World Cup title

Spain claimed their second FIFA World Cup title after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in Sunday’s final.

Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute to end a closely fought contest and hand La Roja their first World Cup crown since 2010.

Spain dominated possession and created the better chances throughout the match, registering 20 shots to Argentina’s two. Their persistence paid off when Pedro Porro’s cross to the back post was kept in play by Nico Williams before Torres reacted quickest to fire past Emiliano Martínez from close range.

Martínez produced a string of fine saves to keep Argentina in the contest, but the goalkeeper was finally beaten as Spain’s sustained pressure yielded the breakthrough.

Argentina’s task became even more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off late in normal time for a second bookable offence, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to play extra time with 10 men.

Lionel Messi, making what could be his final World Cup appearance, found few openings against a disciplined Spanish defence. Argentina’s first effort on target came in the closing stages of extra time as they searched desperately for an equaliser.

Tempers flared after the final whistle, with players from both teams involved in a brief altercation. Argentina’s Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes were among those at the centre of the incident, with Paredes shown a red card after shoving Gavi.

The defeat ended Argentina’s bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain deserved their victory.

“They were the better side — that’s the truth — but I’ll cherish the memory of this team, of what they achieved and the value of making it this far,” Scaloni said.

“We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort.”

The final also featured the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show, with performances by Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS and Coldplay. The spectacle included a tribute to Brazilian football legend Pelé and a rendition of Seven Nation Army conducted by Gustavo Dudamel with musicians from the United States, Venezuela and Iran.

Earlier, England secured third place with a 6-4 victory over France, their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.

France captain Kylian Mbappé finished as the tournament’s leading scorer, winning the Golden Boot with 10 goals, two more than Messi.

The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, was the first World Cup to feature 48 teams. Despite concerns before kick-off over logistics, costs and summer temperatures, the expanded competition concluded with Spain lifting the trophy after a memorable month of football.