Spain had only won one World Cup before, in 2010 in South Africa. Then, as now, the title was decided in extra time with the only goal of the match.
Spain's great hero was Barcelona's Ferran Torres. He came on in the 62nd minute and had been on the field for just over half an hour when he scored the goal that decided the final.
Red card for Fernandez
Spain went through the World Cup unbeaten and with a goal difference of 14-1.
In terms of goals, Spain's victory was a long way off, but in terms of play, the team was clearly dominant. For long periods, it was a game against Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina suffered a setback just before halftime when centre back Lisandro Martinez was forced to leave the game injured.
The next blow for Argentina came in the 70th minute when the team's other starting centre back Cristian Romero limped off, also injured.
But the biggest blow came in extra time when Enzo Fernández received a red card.
Messi behind the last chance
It was really just a question of whether Argentina would be able to hold out during extra time. But in the 106th minute it all came to an end.
A cross from the right was headed down by Nico Williams. Ferran Torres never hesitated, sending a decisive shot that left the Argentine goalkeeper with no chance.
"It was a huge relief. I've been criticised throughout the tournament, but as I said before: fate was already predetermined," Torres said after the victory.
Argentina was outplayed, but still managed to create a golden equaliser. Playmaker Lionel Messi was mostly invisible, but in the final minutes he brought out his last reserves and was behind Giuliano Simeone's great chance after a corner, but the shot - at the height of the penalty spot - went over.
"They were the better team, that's the truth. I value the memory of them (the Argentine team), and what they have achieved, and the value of having come this far," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said, according to AFP.
In addition to the gold, Spain will be rewarded with the equivalent of 540 million kronor, while Argentina will have to settle for 337 million kronor, according to AP.
"They are exceptionally talented players. For me it has been an honour to follow them on this journey," said national team captain Luis de la Fuente, according to AFP.
This is Spain's second gold in a championship in a short time. As recently as 2024, de la Fuente led Spain to European Championship victory.
I get very emotional when I look back. We've won everything, and it's amazing.
Corrected: In a previous version, an incorrect goal difference was stated for Spain.
