Referee Slavko Vincic issued a red card to Argentine Enzo Fernandez (24) during the World Cup final. (AP photo)
The 2026 World Cup final produced late drama before extra time as Argentina were forced to play an extra 30 minutes with 10 men after Enzo Fernandes was sent off in stoppage time against Spain.With the score tied at 0-0 after 90 minutes, Fernandes received a second yellow card in the 93rd minute after a late challenge on Spanish defender Pau Cobarci, leaving Lionel Messi’s side in the most crucial stage of their title battle.
The incident came moments after Argentina survived another Spanish attack. The ball was cleared behind after Emiliano Martinez made a save, but as Argentina tried to launch their forward drive, Fernandes arrived late and caught Cobarci with a reckless challenge.The referee did not hesitate to show the second yellow card to the midfielder, despite Fernandez’s protests.Argentina was forced to defend in the final moments of regular time with ten players and entered extra time facing a greater challenge against the Spanish team, which controlled the ball throughout the match.
Spain dominates but Martinez keeps Argentina alive
Spain dominated the match for long periods, putting in a strong display against the defending champions.
La Roja’s team finished regular time with 15 shots to Argentina’s zero, nine corner kicks to Argentina’s one, and overwhelming possession. However, they were unable to make a breakthrough against the inspired Emiliano Martinez.The Argentine goalkeeper produced a record-breaking performance in the final, making 10 saves, the most ever in a World Cup final, to keep his team alive.One of his biggest tackles came immediately after Fernandes’ sending off when Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal stepped up to take a dangerous free-kick from around 22 yards out.
The 19-year-old’s shot appeared to be headed for a corner, but Martinez made a stunning save to deny him.The goalkeeper immediately jumped to his feet, punched the air and urged the fans to make noise inside the stadium.
A historic scoreless final that reaches tense extra time
The stalemate after 90 minutes added another chapter to World Cup finals history.The match was the ninth World Cup final in which the tie remained scoreless at half-time, joining previous classics such as Spain vs. Netherlands in 2010 and Germany vs. Argentina in 2014.The first half actually set a unique record, with only three shots taken, the fewest in the first half of a World Cup final since records began in 1966.Argentina also became the first team since 1966 to fail to score a shot in the first half in any World Cup match.While Spain continued its quest to win the World Cup title for the second time after its victory in 2010, Argentina was seeking a fourth title and hoped to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the title.