Spain wins its second World Cup by beating Argentina in extra time

The duel for the world title between Argentina and Spain remains goalless at the end of the first extra time. The final, played in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is a tactical duel where Spain dominates possession but cannot beat Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

Lionel Messi looks for a goal to equal Kylian Mbappé as the all-time top scorer in World Cups. Argentina aspires to its fourth title, while Spain seeks its second title after 2010. A curious detail: in 2007, Messi, in a UNICEF campaign, bathed a child who turned out to be Lamine Yamal, today a member of the Spanish team.

Spain controlled the game, but ran into key saves from Martínez. In addition, they have played with numerical superiority since the second half, when Enzo Fernández received a red card for a foul on Pau Cubarsí. Argentina, which won the 2022 World Cup on penalties, will now have to resist with ten players.

In the second extra time, Spain managed to open the scoring: Ferran Torres defined a cross from Nico Williams in the 106th minute. However, minutes later a goal by Williams was disallowed due to a prior foul by Mikel Merino on Nicolás Otamendi.

If Argentina wins, Lionel Scaloni would be the second coach to win two consecutive World Cups (after Vittorio Pozzo). If Spain wins, Luis de la Fuente would become the oldest coach to win the tournament, at 65 years old.

Spain maintains an unbeaten streak of 37 games. Argentina has seven consecutive victories in World Cups. The halftime show included Madonna, Shakira, BTS and an orchestra conducted by Gustavo Dudamel.

World Cup fever reaches its climax in Mexico. The Norwegian Embassy in the country published a video on social networks to thank the local fans. According to the diplomatic message, Mexican hospitality was key to the team’s experience during the tournament.

Thank you to the fans

The European body highlighted that Mexico not only opened its sports infrastructure, but also its plazas and homes. The Nordic delegation pointed out that the support of the fans went directly to the core of the team. During the weeks of competition, the Mexican community symbolically adopted the Norwegian team, celebrating its successes and accompanying it every minute.

Bilateral ties beyond sports

The diplomatic representation recalled that the relationship between both countries has historical pillars:

• Norwegian cod is a central part of Christmas culinary traditions in Mexico.
• Both governments collaborate to protect marine ecosystems and sustainable ocean economy.
• The alliance extends to multilateralism with the UN80 initiative to strengthen international law.
• Mexico is one of the world’s main consumers of Norwegian music, from black metal to pop and indie.

On social networks, Mexican users responded with Viking memes, images created by fans and expressions of gratitude. The embassy concluded that, beyond the trophy, the true triumph is the lasting friendship and brotherhood that this event leaves as a legacy.

The final

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in overtime, in a highly tense final played on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The victory gave the Spanish team its second World Cup, after the one obtained in South Africa 2010.

The only goal of the game came in the 106th minute of the second overtime period. Ferrán Torres, with a powerful left foot, broke the Argentine resistance. Spain largely dominated the match, and Argentina played the entire extra period with one man less.

Ceremony and reactions

President Donald Trump came down to the field with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and stood on a platform to present the awards. They were accompanied by the Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and the Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump shook hands with the players and congratulated them.

Lionel Messi, upon receiving the runner-up medal, burst into tears. The stadium’s giant screen showed it, and the star was acclaimed by the public. For his part, Rodri received the Ballon d’Or as the best player in the World Cup and then won the World Cup.