Ferran Torres etched his name into Spanish football history after scoring the decisive goal that secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title.
The forward struck the winner in the 106th minute of extra time as Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final, ending the nation’s 16-year wait to lift football’s biggest prize once again.
While much of the spotlight throughout the tournament had been on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, it was Torres who delivered on the biggest stage. His composed finish sparked jubilant celebrations among Spain’s players and fans, with members of the country’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad watching from the stands.
The goal was Torres’ first of the 2026 World Cup, but it proved to be the tournament’s most important.
Spain dominated possession and created the better chances throughout the final, although Argentina’s disciplined defence kept them at bay for much of the match. The holders were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time, forcing them to play the entire extra-time period with a numerical disadvantage.
Commentator Peter Drury described it as “perhaps the most one-sided World Cup final ever, and yet there’s nothing in it” before Torres finally broke the deadlock.
The victory crowned Spain world champions for the second time, adding the World Cup to their European Championship triumph and ending Argentina’s reign as defending champions.
