Ferran Torres Says 'Destiny' Led Spain to 2026 World Cup Title

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Spain forward Ferran Torres described his extra-time winner in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as "destiny" after firing La Roja to a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19.

Torres, who came off the bench in the second half, scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute to secure Spain's second World Cup title and cap a dominant performance against Lionel Scaloni's side.

Speaking after the match, Torres said the victory belonged not only to the players on the pitch but also to millions of supporters back home.

"I think in the end the goal came from 47 million people, not just those of us that are here," Torres said, as quoted by ESPN. "Today destiny was written, it was made for us to win. We're far from our people today but we tried to be as close as possible to them."

The Barcelona forward acknowledged the challenge of facing Argentina and captain Lionel Messi in the final but said Spain remained confident in its approach throughout the tournament.

"Finals are hard. When you have Messi on the opposing team you do get worried, but we always backed ourselves and tried to show our football, and I think we managed to do it once again," he said.

Torres' winner came after Spain controlled much of the match but struggled to break down Argentina's defense. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced several crucial saves to keep the score level before Torres finally found the breakthrough with his first goal of the tournament.

The 25-year-old admitted the strike carried special significance after facing criticism during the competition.

"It was a huge relief to score," Torres said. "I've been criticised throughout the whole tournament but, as I said before, destiny was written. Thanks to God, he always gives me the strength to continue and in the end he grants things to those that most deserve them."

Spain dominated possession and chances throughout the final, while Argentina failed to register a shot during the first 90 minutes. The defending champions' task became even harder after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off with a second yellow card shortly before extra time.

Despite the defeat, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players' effort and acknowledged Spain deserved the victory.

"They were better, that's the truth," Scaloni told ESPN after the match. "But I'll hold on to an enormous memory of what they've done, of what it's worth to get this far."

Scaloni also stressed the importance of accepting defeat with dignity after Argentina's run to the final.

"We're great in victory and we have to be great in defeat. Today we're showing that we know how to lose. We lost the match and we're owning it. But that doesn't mean we'll stop remembering everything we did to get here."

Spain's triumph ended Argentina's reign as world champions and completed an impressive campaign in which Luis de la Fuente's side claimed the biggest prize in international football.

Read: Spain Crowned 2026 World Cup Champions After Edging Argentina

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