Monday, July 20th 2026 - 19:17 UTC
The tension, built up over a physical and stop-start match, boiled over after the whistle
The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina ended on Sunday with Spain champions by 1-0 after extra time, but the sporting outcome was overshadowed by a brawl between players from both sides moments after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and by the decision of Argentina's players to turn their backs on the trophy ceremony.
The decisive goal came from substitute Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, in the second period of extra time, after 120 minutes in which Spain dominated possession without finding the net. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez turned in a standout performance with eleven saves, a record for a World Cup final. Argentina, the defending champions, played much of the second half a man down after the sending-off of Enzo Fernández, the sixth player ever shown a red card in a World Cup final.
Lo que la no mostró: la brutal pelea de Paredes y Gavi tras la final del partido pic.twitter.com/T6xeCFWMyp
