2026 FIFA World Cup: Ferran Torres says extra-time winner belonged to 47 million spaniards

By Boluwatife Oshadiya | July 20, 2026

Key Points

• Spain defeated Argentina to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive extra-time goal
• Torres dedicated the historic winner to the 47 million people of Spain, describing it as a collective achievement
• Spain manager Luis de la Fuente hailed his squad after securing the country’s second FIFA World Cup title and extending their unbeaten run to 38 matches

Main Story

Spain forward Ferran Torres has described his extra-time winner against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as “a goal scored by 47 million people,” after helping La Roja secure their second FIFA World Cup title.

Torres came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 106th minute as Luis de la Fuente’s side defeated reigning champions Argentina on Sunday, ending Spain’s 16-year wait for another World Cup triumph following their maiden title in South Africa in 2010.

“It was a goal scored by 47 million people. It wasn’t even mine or from the 26 players. It was destined to happen; it was meant to be a winner,” Torres said after the match.

The victory further cements Spain’s dominance under De la Fuente, who guided the team to the UEFA Euro 2024 title and has now overseen an impressive 38-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

The Spanish coach praised his players for embracing the nation’s football philosophy and delivering another historic achievement on the global stage.

“I’m so proud of this generation of footballers who have grown up with this philosophy, remained true to it, made it even better and set an example as a team and a family. They’re excellent, world-class footballers with exceptional talent,” De la Fuente said.

What’s Being Said

De la Fuente said the triumph reflected years of commitment to Spain’s football identity.

“I’m very moved. Looking back and thinking about them, we’ve won everything, absolutely everything, with this generation of players,” the Spain manager added.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who became emotional after the final whistle, said reaching consecutive World Cup finals had exceeded his expectations despite the disappointment of finishing runners-up.

“I would have never imagined, including my staff, that we would be in this place,” Scaloni said.

The Argentine coach also paid tribute to captain Lionel Messi.

“I hope that everyone feels proud of him, of what he’s achieved because he’s the best football player ever. It’s hard for people to enjoy being runners-up as much as being winners. We have to go on,” he said.

What’s Next

• Spain will return home for official celebrations after winning their second FIFA World Cup title, adding to their triumph in 2010.
• Attention will gradually shift to the start of the qualification cycle for upcoming international competitions, with Spain looking to build on their world and European championship successes.
• Argentina are expected to begin preparations for the next international window as Scaloni assesses the future of the squad following another World Cup final appearance.

The Bottom Line: Spain’s World Cup victory confirms the country’s return to the summit of international football under Luis de la Fuente. With a young, talented squad that has already conquered Europe and now the world, La Roja appear well-positioned to remain one of football’s dominant forces for years to come.

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