Spain Edge Ten-Man Argentina 1-0 in Extra Time to Reclaim World Cup After 16 Years

Spain are world champions once again. In an dramatic World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, La Roja defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time, ending a 16-year wait for the trophy and denying Lionel Messi's side back-to-back titles.

A goalless standoff through 90 minutes
Spain dominated for long stretches but couldn't find a breakthrough. Lamine Yamal forced an early save from a tight angle in the fifth minute, while at the other end Emiliano Martínez repeatedly frustrated the Spanish attack, including a crucial stop on Pedri's effort in the second half. Chances came and went for both sides — Dani Olmo twice tested Martínez from range, and a heaer from Laporte was well claimed — but neither team could land the decisive blow in regulation.

The match turned tense in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Cubarsí, leaving Argentina to play extra time a man down.

Extra time drama
With Argentina down to ten men, Spain pushed for a winner. Nico Williams thought he'd broken the deadlock in the 96th minute, heading home a rebound, but the goal was ruled out. Spain didn't have to wait much longer: in the 106th minute, Nico Williams flicked on a header and Ferran Torres fired home the finish that would prove decisive.

Spain thought they'd doubled their lead in the 114th minute when Yamal slipped in Ferran Torres for a one-on-one finish, but the effort was chalked off for offside. Argentina had one final sniff of an equalizer deep into stoppage time when Giovani Simeone's volley flew just over the crossbar — but it wasn't enough.

Final whistle: Spain 1-0 Argentina (after extra time)
The win completes a remarkable run for Spain and delivers the country's first World Cup title since 2010, sealed fittingly at the venue where football's biggest stage in North America came to a close.