Spain’s historic victory in the FIFA World Cup ended amid chaos at the final whistle, with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes shown a red card following a nasty clash involving several players from both teams.Luis de la Fuente’s side beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. But as soon as the Spanish festivities got under way, tensions escalated into a huge brawl that led to Paredes being sacked and leaving a memorable final shrouded in controversy.
Tempers were already running high in the game
Although the final produced one goal in 120 minutes, the contest was very competitive throughout.Argentina were already reduced to 10 men late on when Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card for a reckless tackle on Spain midfielder Pau Cubarsí.
Referee Slavko Vincic, of Slovenia, shows a red card to Enzo Fernandez (24) of Argentina during the World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Earlier in overtime, Lionel Messi he also started an altercation with referee Slavko Vinčić, arguing that Marc Cucurella should be penalized after appearing to cover his mouth during an on-field exchange.The incident led to a tense finale before the final whistle confirmed Spain as world champions.
The Spanish festivals became a place of great joy
As soon as Vinčić finished the game, the Spanish substitutes ran from the bench to the pitch to cheer on their teammates.According to reports, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to wave at Spain captain Rodri as the midfielder ran past him during the celebrations.Rodri immediately stood up and confronted Molina, both players talking to each other before Spanish defender Eric García stepped in between them to break the deadlock.Instead, the conflict grew.Paredes ran to the scene and allegedly grabbed García by the neck before pushing him as players from both teams gathered around the scene.Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni arrived quickly and appeared to be trying to separate the players while maintaining calm, but the tension continued to spread.
Clashes with Gavi result in a red card
Another argument was still going on, another one had started nearby.Spanish midfielder Gavi has attracted attention from Argentina’s Thiago Almada while Paredes has turned his attention to the young Spaniard.Television footage appeared to show Paredes wrestling Gavi to the ground before grabbing him with a replacement bib and shoving him in the face.
Players clash at the end of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
A number of Spanish players immediately rushed to protect Gavi, with striker Borja Iglesias being one of those who confronted the Argentinian.After seeing what happened, judge Vinčić did not hesitate.Paredes, who had already been booked for the game and had already escaped what many believed would have been a second caution, was shown a straight red card after the final whistle for his involvement in the brawl.
Neville and Shearer criticize Argentina’s actions
The incident drew criticism from media analysts who reported the latter.Speaking on ITV, former England captain Gary Neville said: “It’s a shame.“I mean they were lucky not to be sent off. I love the Argentinian team and they deserve a lot of credit for what they have done in this tournament. Fighting and losing their lives in every game.“Even today when they were played by a great football team. Messi inspired them at times and they are very competitive and I like their part.“But he’s just been embarrassing the last couple of games and that’s why the umpires have allowed him to keep doing what he’s doing.”BBC commentator Alan Shearer was also a critic after the review.“Paredes threw two or three haymakers in the face of the guy. He went at them,” Shearer said.“There is no place or place to do that.“We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. We have seen this many times from Argentina. What happens after the final whistle is terrible.”
A bitter end to Argentina’s title defence
The chaotic finish brought disappointment to Argentina’s bid to retain the World Cup.Lionel Scaloni’s team fought hard to reach their second consecutive World Cup final, but they did well against a dominant Spanish side and eventually won in extra time through Ferran Torres.As Spain celebrated becoming world champions for the second time, the Argentinian players were left to reflect not only on the defeat but also on the furious finish that saw Paredes sent off after the final whistle.For Lionel Messi, who is expected to make his final appearance at the World Cup, the evening ended on a positive note as he applauded Argentina’s fans before collecting his final medal, while a match-fixing problem involving several of his teammates threatened to overshadow what had been another stunning contest for the defenders.