New York [US], July 20 (ANI): From Lamine Yamal’s composed sliding finish against Saudi Arabia to Ferran Torres’ title-clinching strike in the final, every goal reflected Spain’s remarkable journey to FIFA World Cup 2026 glory.
Spain captured their second FIFA World Cup title by defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.
After one of the most dominant campaigns in World Cup history, Spain lifted the iconic trophy for the second time and their first since 2010, according to FIFA.
Thirty-nine days of competition concluded on July 19 (local time) with a blockbuster final between Spain and Argentina. La Roja emerged victorious as Torres’ extra-time winner secured the nation’s second world title.
Spain scored 14 goals and conceded just one across eight matches. Their campaign began with a scoreless draw against Cabo Verde, but coach Luis de la Fuente’s side remained committed to its possession-based style and quickly found its rhythm.
Spain recorded convincing victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay before producing an impressive attacking performance to defeat Austria in the Round of 32.
The knockout rounds proved more challenging, but Spain advanced with narrow victories over Portugal and Belgium, thanks to dramatic late goals from Mikel Merino.
They followed with a commanding semifinal victory over 2018 champions France before defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium. Torres’ decisive goal sealed Spain’s second World Cup title.
Coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team’s achievement after the victory.
“This team and this wonderful fanbase deserve everything,” he said. “We had a date with destiny, and we wanted to make it count. It was written, and we deserved it.”
Spain also dominated the tournament’s individual awards.
Midfielder Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player after orchestrating Spain’s midfield throughout its championship run. His composure, leadership, and control were central to the team’s success.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove after helping Spain concede just one goal throughout the tournament. He also set a World Cup record by going 650 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal.
Teenage defender Pau Cubarsí was named the FIFA Young Player Award winner after a series of composed performances at the heart of Spain’s defense. The 19-year-old helped Spain record the fewest goals conceded by a World Cup-winning team.
France captain Kylian Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals in eight matches. He became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot in consecutive tournaments and extended his record as the men’s FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 career goals.
Argentina mounted a spirited defense of its title, building on its memorable 2022 World Cup triumph. Led by Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste showed resilience throughout the knockout rounds, rallying from two goals down to defeat Egypt in the Round of 32 before staging a dramatic late comeback to edge England in the semifinals.
However, Spain proved too strong in the final, ending Argentina’s reign as world champions and reclaiming the World Cup crown. (ANI)
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