World Cup final live updates: Spain vs. Argentina latest news, score, highlights and analysis
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the FIFA World Cup, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. The victory marks Spain's first World Cup title since 2010 and concludes a tournament that saw Lionel Messi's final appearance.
Why it matters
The World Cup is the most-watched sporting event globally, and this result represents a significant shift in international football dominance.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Shadows had crept across MetLife Stadium as a tedious World Cup final dominated by Spain at an absurd clip lurched into extra time without a breakthrough Sunday. Lionel Messi and Argentina had no business clinging to hope of a second consecutive championship after failing to create a shot and or even link a few passes. Spain's reign hadn't translated into a goal, however, and with each of Emi Martínez's record number of saves for Argentina, the cruelty of a shootout lurked on the horizon. Then came the moment Spain had waited for all afternoon — and, frankly, for 16 years since its last global title.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in