Soccer
Ferran Torres declared “God gives to those who deserve it” as Spain celebrated their 2026 World Cup triumph.
Spain claimed a 1-0 victory after extra time in an ill-tempered, scrappy clash with Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Luis de la Fuente’s team, who are now unbeaten in 38 matches, a record for a European or South American team, dominated the match but had to wait until the 106th minute for substitute Torres to lash home from Nico Williams’ knockdown.
Argentina became the first team in World Cup history not to have a shot in 90 minutes of a final. Their first attempt came via Lionel Messi in the 117th minute, while Enzo Fernandez was sent off late on in normal time.
38 – Spain are now unbeaten in their last 38 matches in all competitions, the longest ever run by any European or South American team in history.
Premier. pic.twitter.com/39qqwS6G0d
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 19, 2026
And Torres, just the second substitute to score the winning goal in a World Cup final, after Germany’s Mario Gotze in 2014, has no doubt La Roja were worthy victors.
“This goal was for 47 million people… It was all written, we had to win,” he told Spanish broadcasters.
“When you have Messi on the opposing team, it’s always a risk of an earthquake. We were always ourselves.
“It’s a liberation, it was very important. God gave me the strength to continue and, in the end. God gives to those who deserve it.”
Spain’s players also dominated the post-tournament awards, with Pau Cubarsi named Young Player of the Tournament, Unai Simon winning the Golden Glove and Rodri scooping the Golden Ball.
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