Spain celebrates its triumph over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (©SANKEI)
It's been said that one is the loneliest number. But sometimes, like in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, it represents something completely different: pure joy for millions of people.
In the 106th minute of the 104th match of this year's 48-nation World Cup, Spain's Ferran Torres, a second-half substitute, broke the scoreless stalemate against Argentina.
It was Spain's 20th shot of the match. Torres booted the ball from close range with his left foot, placing it beyond the reach of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Lifting the ball just below the crossbar, Torres lifted the spirits of an entire nation.
Reigning champion Argentina, down to 10 men in extra time after Enzo Fernandez picked up his second yellow card in second-half stoppage time, was unable to produce the late magic that had defined several memorable comebacks at this World Cup. And all-time great Lionel Messi didn't replicate his heroics from so many matches in 2022 and the summer of '26.
Instead, Spain captured its second World Cup title, beating Argentina 1-0 on Sunday, July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Defense Leads Spain to 2nd World Cup Title
Sixteen years after winning the global tournament for the first time in South Africa, Spain's superior defense was the driving force of its 2026 title.
In its eight World Cup matches, Spain allowed only one goal (a World Cup record for a champion) ― doing so in a 2-1 triumph over Belgium in the quarterfinals.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was ecstatic after the final whistle on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, where his squad registered its seventh clean sheet of the tournament.
"We are world champions. I am very proud," de la Fuente was quoted as saying by the Los Angeles Times. "I'm very happy for my players. We've won in all the categories."
The Spain boss added, "We've grown together. We reached this stage today thanks to their talent, to their attitude, to their comportment, to their values and to the huge footballing talent."
Exceptional talent coupled with never-wavering determination carried Spain to the top of the expanded World Cup, with 16 more national teams than ever before competing for global glory.
Defensive midfielder Rodrigo "Rodri" Hernandez Cascante, Spain's captain, was the unquestionable leader of the world's top team. Throughout the tournament, he set the tone on defense and was a catalyst for the offense with 790 completed passes, a World Cup record.
Rodri, 30, received the Golden Ball, awarded to the World Cup's best player. Messi claimed the honor in 2014 and '22. This time, the Argentine had to settle for the Silver Ball (second place, according to media balloting).
How did Rodri react to Spain's glorious achievement?
"I'm in shock," he said, according to the Los Angeles Times, at MetLife Stadium. "I cannot express [my feelings] in words. I'm like in a cloud."
The Biggest Thrill for 2026 World Cup Hero Torres
Ferran Torres finished the 2026 FIFA World Cup with one goal in eight matches. And his title-clinching strike represents the biggest moment of his football career.
Just a side note: As a pro footballer, Torres has scored 65 goals in 207 appearances for FC Barcelona since January 2022, so you can't say he's an inept offensive player.
Returning to the World Cup, and his moment of glory, could it have been scripted any better by Hollywood?
A national hero for the rest of his life, Torres provided a compelling reaction to his match-defining play.
"Honestly, I can't believe it. I just am trying to enjoy it, but I don't know what's happening," Torres told reporters. "I didn't think too much."
He went on: "I just saw the ball coming to me and I just shot with the power of all the Spanish people."
A shot that clinched an unforgettable achievement for Spain at the World Cup.
What's more, Spain extended its unbeaten streak to 38 matches, a Guinness world record for men's international soccer competition. Remarkable.
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Author: Ed Odeven
Follow Ed's [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and he can be found on X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
