Spain wins second FIFA World Cup after Ferran Torres' extra‑time goal

Spain’s national football team secured its second FIFA World Cup title on 20 July 2026, defeating Argentina 1‑0 in extra time. Forward Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, becoming the tournament’s hero.

The victory reinforces Europe’s dominance in the sport, marking the continent’s fifth title in the last six editions. Economically, the win triggered a “champion effect”: a study by Marco Mello estimates a 0.48 % boost to Spain’s GDP over the following two quarters – roughly €8 billion – driven largely by heightened exports and a €43.7 million FIFA prize to the Spanish federation.

Celebrations flooded Madrid’s streets, drawing over 120 000 fans to Plaza de Cibeles. Highlights included Ferran Torres wearing a red “Make Spain Great Again” cap, pop‑star Aitana appearing in €1 200 Gucci jeans, a specially painted “made‑in‑Ourense” bus transporting the squad, and a Valencian brass quintet performing the national anthem at MetLife Stadium. Torres also publicly discussed how therapy helped him cope with pressure, underscoring the growing focus on mental health in elite sport.