Ferran Torres emerged as Spain's unlikely hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute of the World Cup final to secure a 1-0 victory over Argentina at MetLife Stadium.
Torres, 26, became the second substitute to score the winning goal in a World Cup final, mirroring Germany's Mario Götze in 2014. The goal marked Torres' first of the tournament and broke a deadlock in a match defined by Spain's defensive prowess, having allowed only one goal throughout the competition.
"In the end, the goal belongs to 47 million people, not me, nor [the] 26 players here," Torres told Spanish broadcaster TVE. "Destiny was written today. We were going to win."
Spain controlled possession throughout the match and limited Argentina to zero shots on goal. Despite 20 total shots, including 12 on target, Spain was repeatedly denied by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who made 11 saves, the most by a goalkeeper in a final in at least 60 years. The match also saw a controversial disallowed goal for Spain's Nico Williams in the 96th minute.
Torres, who had faced criticism for his finishing in previous matches, entered the game in the 62nd minute. He had previously scored two goals in the 2022 World Cup before Spain's elimination in the Round of 16. In this tournament, he had gone without a goal on 11 shots prior to Sunday's final.
"It’s a huge feeling of liberation," Torres said after the match. "I’ve been criticized a lot during this World Cup, but destiny was written. I thank God, who always gives me strength to continue. Things come to those who deserve them."
The victory marks Spain's second World Cup triumph. Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball, and Lamine Yamal was noted for his potential future impact.