Spain is on the verge of the title, leading and with more players in the World Cup final.

Spain is on the verge of winning its first World Cup since 2012 after taking a 1-0 lead against Argentina in the men’s football final at the MetLife Stadium in New York. The match, which marks a historic moment in international football, pits current European champions Spain against current South American champions Argentina, with Argentina also defending the World Cup title they won four years ago. The game has reached extra time, with both teams showing resilience and tactical discipline throughout the 90-minute regulation period. The match began with Argentina attempting to control possession through long passes, but this strategy failed to yield results. Spain, known for its technical play and defensive solidity, maintained control of the ball and created several chances. In the 106th minute, Spain's Ferran Torres scored, but the goal was disallowed due to offside. Moments later, Nico Williams struck a powerful shot from close range, but the goal was also ruled out for a handball by Spain’s goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen. These early setbacks frustrated Argentina, who struggled to find their rhythm. In the 114th minute, Spain nearly took the lead again when Ferran Torres fired a shot from distance, but the effort missed the target. Argentina responded with a series of dangerous attacks, including a chance in the 116th minute where Lionel Messi had a clear opportunity to score, but his shot went wide. The tension rose further in the 117th minute when Messi fired a shot from 17 meters that hit the head of Spain’s goalkeeper, Ter Stegen, forcing him to seek medical attention. This incident raised concerns about the physical toll of the match on both sides. As the clock ticked down, Argentina continued to press, creating multiple opportunities. In the 120th minute, Argentina came close to equalizing when Rodrigo de Paul found space in front of goal, but his shot was saved by Spain’s goalkeeper. The match entered extra time with neither team having managed to score, marking a rare occurrence in modern football. Argentina had not taken a shot in over 90 minutes, a testament to Spain’s dominance throughout the contest. In the second half of extra time, Spain retained its composure, while Argentina grew increasingly desperate. A key moment came in the 120+1st minute when Argentina’s Sergio Agüero received a free kick, but he failed to convert it. Spain’s players remained focused, continuing to dominate possession and create scoring chances. The pressure mounted on Argentina as the game progressed, with the Spanish defense holding firm despite intense attacking efforts. With just three minutes remaining in added time, the referee signaled the start of the second extra period. Spain’s players celebrated the opportunity to extend their advantage, while Argentina’s squad showed signs of fatigue and frustration. The outcome of this high-stakes encounter will determine the winner of the tournament, with Spain poised to claim its first World Cup since 2012. The final moments of the match remain tense, with both teams locked in a battle for supremacy.