The final in East Rutherford turned into a showcase of tactical discipline and resilience, as Spain edged Argentina 1‑0 in extra time.
Ferran Torres met a cross with a precise finish in the 106th minute, sending the Spanish bench into celebration and breaking a defensive wall that had held Argentina at bay for most of the match.
Spain's dominance was evident in possession statistics and the fact that they conceded only a single goal across 750 minutes of knockout play, a record that underscored their defensive solidity.
A legacy in the making
The victory added to a remarkable run that already included triumphs in the 2023 Nations League and the 2024 European Championship, pushing their unbeaten streak to 38 games.
Youngsters Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, both still in their teens, were integral to the side's fluid movement, while veteran Rodri anchored the midfield with his trademark composure.
Even Lionel Messi, at 39, could not find a way past Unai Simon's goalkeeping heroics, as the Argentine captain's record 11 saves could not alter the outcome.
Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente praised the collective effort, highlighting the blend of youth and experience that defined the squad.
The win also resonated beyond the pitch, evoking memories of past glories such as Andrés Iniesta's 2010 extra‑time strike, while Argentina's Mario Götze, who once scored the winning goal in a World Cup final, now watched from the sidelines as his team fell short.