Ferran Torres was only the second player to achieve this rare feat in a FIFA World Cup final

Ferran Torres (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Spain substitute Ferran Torres made FIFA World Cup history after scoring the winning goal in the 106th minute of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. The strike made Torres only the second substitute to score the winning goal in a World Cup final, matching Germany’s Mario Götze, who also achieved the feat against Argentina in the 2014 final. Torres came off the bench in the 62nd minute and had a decisive impact as Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift their second FIFA World Cup title. Spain’s first World Cup triumph came in 2010.

Spain are dominating but struggling to find a breakthrough

Spain controlled the final for long periods, enjoying most of the possession and creating several chances. They continued to press forward while Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, defended deep and managed to take the match to extra time despite being under constant pressure.Before extra time started, Spain created many more chances but could not get past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

Torres scores the winning goal

The breakthrough finally came in the 106th minute. Nico Williams kept a long cross alive by heading the ball into the center of the penalty area, where Torres was quickest to react. The Spanish forward unleashed a left-footed shot that flew under the crossbar and into the net, giving Martínez no chance.It was Spain’s 20th goal of the match and Torres’ first goal of the tournament. His goal was enough to secure a famous 1-0 win and Spain’s second World Cup crown.Spain comfortably held on to end Argentina’s reign as world champions and lift football’s biggest trophy for a second time.