Spaniard Javi, left, falls during an altercation with Argentine Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada during the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Spain’s historic World Cup victory ended amid chaotic scenes after the final whistle, with Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving a straight red card after an ugly confrontation involving several players from both teams.Luis de la Fuente’s side beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time at New York New Jersey to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. But moments after Spain’s celebrations began, tensions escalated into a mass confrontation that saw Paredes sent off and left an unforgettable final overshadowed by controversy.
Tensions were already starting to rise during the match
Although the final only saw one goal in 120 minutes, the match was closely contested throughout.Argentina were already down to 10 men late in normal time when Enzo Fernandes received his second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Spanish defender Pau Cobarci.
Referee Slavko Vincic, from Slovenia, shows a red card to Argentine Enzo Fernandez (24) during the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Earlier in extra time, Lionel Messi was also involved in an argument with referee Slavko Vincic, arguing that Mark Cucurella should be penalized after he appeared to speak while covering his mouth during an on-pitch exchange.These events set the stage for an increasingly heated finale before emotions ran rampant once the final whistle confirmed Spain’s World Championship win.
Spain’s celebrations became a flashpoint
As soon as Vincic finished the match, Spain’s substitutes ran from the bench onto the pitch to celebrate with their teammates.According to reports, Argentine defender Nahuel Molina appeared to be waving his arm towards Spain captain Rodri as the midfielder walked past him during the celebrations.Rodri immediately stopped and faced Molina, and the two players exchanged words before Spanish defender Eric Garcia intervened between them in an attempt to calm the situation.
Instead, the confrontation escalated.Paredes rushed towards the scene and allegedly grabbed Garcia by the throat before pushing him as players from both teams gathered around the incident.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni soon arrived and was seen trying to separate the players while signaling calm, but the confrontation continued to spread across the pitch.
A clash with Javi leads to a red card
As one confrontation continued to unfold, another quickly developed nearby.Spanish midfielder Javi became involved with Argentine Thiago Almada when Paredes turned his attention to the young Spaniard.Television footage showed Paredes wrestling Javi to the ground before grabbing him by the substitute’s bib and pushing him in the face.
A brawl between players at the end of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Several Spain players immediately rushed to protect Gavi, while striker Borja Iglesias was among those who confronted the Argentine midfielder.After witnessing the scene, referee Vincic did not hesitate much.Paredes, who had already been booked during the match and had earlier survived what many believed was a second yellow card, was shown a red card immediately after the final whistle for his involvement in the brawl.
Neville and Shearer condemn Argentina’s response
The scenes sparked immediate criticism from television pundits covering the final.Speaking on ITV, former England captain Gary Neville said: “It’s a disgrace.“I mean he was lucky he wasn’t sent off during the match. I love the competitiveness of the Argentines and they deserve huge praise for what they did in this tournament. They fight and fight for their lives in every match.“Even today when they are outplayed by a great football team. Messi has supported them at times and they are very competitive and I like that element of them.He added: “But he was just a disgrace in the last two matches, and why did the referees allow him to continue doing what he is doing?”BBC critic Alan Shearer was equally critical after reviewing the footage.“Paredes threw two or three haymakers at someone. He attacked them,” Shearer said.“There’s no place or space for that.He added, “We know how important this is to them and we know how painful it is to lose, but there is a way to lose. We have seen that many times from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle was terrible.”
A bitter end to Argentina’s title defense
The chaotic finish brought a disappointing result to Argentina’s bid to retain the World Cup.Lionel Scaloni’s side battled through a tough knockout campaign and reached a second successive World Cup final, but were second best to a Spain side who dominated possession and eventually found the breakthrough in extra time through Ferran Torres.As Spain celebrated their second World Champions title, Argentina’s players reflected not only on the defeat, but also on the poor finish that culminated in Paredes being sent off after the final whistle.For Lionel Messi, who was widely expected to make his final World Cup appearance, the evening ended with palpable emotion as he applauded the traveling Argentine fans before collecting his runners-up medal, while the post-match chaos involving many of his team-mates threatened to overshadow what was another fine tournament for the holders.