Spain midfielder Ferran Torres said he struggled to believe he had scored the decisive goal that secured his country’s second FIFA World Cup title after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the 2026 final.
In a video interview with the host broadcaster shared by DAZN Football on X, Torres described his reaction to the opportunity. “Honestly, I can’t believe it. I just… trying to enjoy, but… I don’t know what’s happening. Honestly, I didn’t think too much. I just… saw the ball coming to me and I just shoot with the power of all the… all the Spanish people,” he said.
The match, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, saw substitute Torres score the winning goal in the 106th minute following a headed assist from Nico Williams. Spain completed an unbeaten campaign, conceding only once across eight matches, displaying defensive solidity and discipline under coach De la Fuente.
Spain’s victory added the FIFA World Cup crown to their UEFA Euro 2024 title, marking another major achievement under De la Fuente’s leadership.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made 12 saves but was unable to stop Torres’ strike. Spain dominated possession and created the majority of chances, while Argentina failed to register a single attempt during regular time. The defending champions were reduced to 10 men late in regulation after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card.
During the final, Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, both 19 years old, became the fourth and fifth teenagers to appear in a FIFA World Cup final, joining Pele (17 in 1958), Giuseppe Bergomi (18 in 1982), and Kylian Mbappe (19 in 2018). All five players were on the winning side.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi set a record as the oldest outfield player to feature in a FIFA World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, surpassing Sweden’s Gunnar Gren, who was 37 years and 241 days old in the 1958 final. This final marked Messi’s third FIFA World Cup final appearance, having previously played in the 2014 and 2022 finals. He became only the second player to reach that milestone after Brazil’s Cafu, who appeared in the 1994, 1998, and 2002 finals.