PHOTOS: Spain wins the World Cup by beating Argentina 1-0 on Ferran Torres' goal in extra time

By — Tim Reynolds, Associated Press Tim Reynolds, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/photos-spain-wins-the-world-cup-by-beating-argentina-1-0-on-ferran-torres-goal-in-extra-time Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter PHOTOS: Spain wins the World Cup by beating Argentina 1-0 on Ferran Torres' goal in extra time World Jul 19, 2026 6:55 PM EDT EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Ferran Torres' first goal of this year's World Cup was the goal of his life, and it put Spain back atop the soccer world. Denying Lionel Messi a second straight title in what he has indicated would be his final World Cup match, Torres came off the bench and scored in the 106th minute and Spain — in a match it simply dominated — ended Argentina's reign with a 1-0 win on Sunday. Torres pounced on a bouncing ball in the box and used his left foot to bury a shot just under the crossbar and into the back of the net. "It was a goal scored by 47 million people," Torres said, referring to Spain's population. Maybe not by them — but certainly for them. Spain fans celebrate in the stands after Ferran Torres scores their first goal during the World Cup final match at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. Photo by John Sibley/Reuters Spain's Ferran Torres celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates while Argentina players look dejected during the World Cup final match at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. Photo by Amanda Perobelli/Reuters It was Spain's second title, this trophy getting added to the one claimed in 2010. And there's no question about the center of the soccer universe now, not after this display. Spain allowed only one goal in eight matches at the tournament, setting a World Cup record for fewest goals allowed by a champion. And this title, combined with the World Cup won by Spain's women in 2023, makes the European nation the first to hold both the men's and women's titles simultaneously. "I feel sad," said Messi, who was moved to tears after receiving his runner-up medal and staring into the crowd at Argentina supporters. "They were better, to be honest." The score indicates this match was close, but only one team was in command. Spain took the game's first 20 shots on goal before Argentina — desperate for an equalizer — got its first attempt off in the second half of extra time. Spain took nine of the game's first 10 corner kicks, and only a World Cup final-record 12 saves by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez gave the 2022 champions a shot at going back-to-back. Spain is now unbeaten in its last 38 matches — 29 wins, nine draws — and now is the outright holder of the longest such streak by any European team ever. Italy went 37 matches (28 wins, nine draws) from October 2018 through September 2021, before Spain ended that streak. And for the last two-plus years, nobody has beaten Spain. N