Spain won its second World Cup title on July 19, beating defending champion Argentina 1-0 in extra time before a crowd of more than 80,000 at MetLife Stadium.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, finishing a header back from Nico Williams after a cross from Pedro Porro, early in the second period of extra time. Argentina had been a man down since second-half stoppage time, when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second bookable offense. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was credited with 11 saves, a record for a World Cup final, though Argentina became the first finalist not to attempt a shot in regulation time.
Spain, coached by Luis de la Fuente, completed the tournament unbeaten, conceding one goal in eight matches. Rodri won the Golden Ball, Unai Simón the Golden Glove and defender Pau Cubarsí the Best Young Player award. France's Kylian Mbappé took the Golden Boot with 10 goals. Lionel Messi, 39, became the oldest outfield player to appear in a final. England beat France 6-4 for third place.
The tournament, held June 11 to July 19, was the first men's World Cup with 48 teams and 104 matches, and the first co-hosted by three countries, with matches played in 11 U.S. cities, three Mexican cities and two Canadian cities. FIFA reported 6.8 million spectators, nearly double the 1994 total across twice as many matches, at 99.7% of capacity.
All three hosts reached the knockout stage and exited in the round of 16: Canada to Morocco, Mexico to England, the United States to Belgium. Bank of America reported host-city spending up 6.3% year over year from June 10 to 21, though economists noted international arrivals trailed projections and most tournament revenue accrued to FIFA.
