Sixteen years after Fernando, Ferran Torres fires Spain to World Cup glory

Sixteen years after Fernando Torres played a key role in Spain’s golden generation that conquered the 2010 FIFA World Cup, another Torres has written his name into Spanish football folklore.

Ferran Torres scored the decisive extra-time winner as Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, securing La Roja’s second World Cup title.

With the match seemingly destined for penalties, Ferran struck in the 106th minute to finally break Argentina’s resistance, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters. The goal capped a tournament in which Spain combined defensive solidity with attacking dominance to reclaim football’s biggest prize.

Despite the narrow scoreline, Spain completely controlled the final. Luis de la Fuente’s side registered 20 shots compared to Argentina’s two, dictating possession and creating chance after chance before Ferran’s breakthrough finally arrived.

The triumph also cemented Spain’s place in football history. They became only the third reigning European champions to win the World Cup, following West Germany’s 1972-74 side and Spain’s own legendary team that won Euro 2008 before lifting the 2010 World Cup.

Spain’s defensive record was equally remarkable. La Roja conceded just one goal throughout the entire tournament — the fewest ever by a World Cup-winning nation. The only team to concede fewer at a single World Cup remains Switzerland in 2006, who exited the tournament without allowing a goal.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente continued his extraordinary run on the biggest stages. The victory extended his unbeaten record at major international tournaments to 15 matches, the longest unbeaten start by any manager across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.

For Ferran Torres, the winning goal was the defining moment of his international career. Sixteen years after Fernando Torres celebrated Spain’s maiden World Cup triumph, Ferran delivered another unforgettable chapter in the nation’s football history.

Another Torres. Another World Cup.