Spain are World Champions again.

 

Spain are World Champions again.

Sixteen years after Iniesta's extra-time strike beat the Netherlands in Johannesburg, Spain went back-to-back on the biggest stage — defeating reigning champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres, on as a substitute, scored the winner just 39 seconds into the second period of extra time, finishing off a pass from fellow sub Nico Williams.
It was a dominant display from start to finish. Argentina failed to register a single shot on target the entire match, finishing with just 0.2 expected goals to Spain's 1.94.

But the moment belonged to more than just the players. King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía made the trip from Spain to New York for the final, watching from the stands before heading down to the pitch to celebrate with the team once the final whistle blew. It was the first time all four royals had traveled together for a major event abroad — and a full-circle moment for Leonor and Sofía, who as young girls once held the same trophy after Spain's 2010 win in South Africa.

Nineteen-year-old Lamine Yamal, in his first World Cup, handed the trophy to King Felipe himself, letting the king have his own moment of glory before the celebrations really began. Felipe couldn't hide his emotion holding it in his hands.
A new golden generation, a second star on the crest, and a royal family that stood with their country through every minute of it.