The final of the global tournament unfolded at the iconic New York/New Jersey Stadium, where Spain secured their second world championship by edging Argentina 1-0 in extra time. Ferran Torres, introduced as a late substitute, struck in the 106th minute, delivering the decisive blow that crowned La Roja as champions.
A historic night in New Jersey
Spain's campaign was marked by defensive solidity, conceding only a single goal across eight matches, a stark contrast to the high‑scoring affairs that defined earlier editions. Their only setback came when Argentina's Enzo Fernandez was dismissed after a second yellow card, leaving the South American side a man short for the remainder of the contest.
The match also featured an unusual 27‑minute halftime spectacle that drew attention for its length and production, while U.S. President Donald Trump was present both at the game and during the subsequent award ceremony, underscoring the event's political resonance.
Argentina's Lionel Messi, who entered the final with eight career goals in the tournament, was unable to add to his tally, leaving him just short of the record books. Meanwhile, France's Kylian Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot with ten goals, becoming the first player to top the scoring charts in consecutive editions.
The victory marks a resurgence for Spanish football, echoing their 2010 triumph when Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal in South Africa. Looking ahead, the sport will celebrate its centenary in 2030, with a joint hosting arrangement between Spain, Portugal and Morocco promising a new chapter for the competition.