Spain won the FIFA World Cup for the second time in their history after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in Sunday's final at New York New Jersey Stadium, capping a remarkable resurgence for one of international football's most successful nations.

Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, finishing a well-worked move to give La Roja their first World Cup title since 2010 and deny Argentina back-to-back world championships.

Spain controlled much of the possession and dictated the tempo throughout the match, but Argentina remained resilient thanks to a disciplined defensive display and several crucial saves from goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Despite creating opportunities, the South American side was unable to break through Spain's organized backline.

The victory marks another major achievement for head coach Luis de la Fuente, who has overseen Spain's return to the top of international football. After guiding the team to the UEFA Euro 2024 title, he has now added the FIFA World Cup trophy to his growing list of accomplishments.

Led by a new generation of stars including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Nico Williams, Rodri and Ferran Torres, Spain combined technical quality, tactical discipline and defensive solidity throughout the tournament. The European side defeated Portugal in the Round of 16, Belgium in the quarter-finals and France in the semi-finals before overcoming Argentina in the final.

For Argentina, the defeat ended hopes of retaining the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022. Lionel Messi's side reached the final after another impressive campaign but fell just short against a Spanish team that proved more clinical when it mattered most.

Spain's triumph places the country among the select group of nations to have won multiple FIFA World Cup titles, adding a second star to the one earned in South Africa in 2010. The victory also reinforces Spain's dominance in international football following the women's national team's World Cup success in 2023.

Celebrations erupted across Spain after the final whistle, with thousands of fans gathering in Madrid, Barcelona and other cities as captain Rodri lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy, marking a historic night for Spanish football.