Spain defeated Argentina 3-1 after extra time in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, but the match was marred by ugly post-match confrontations. Here is a blow-by-blow account of the incidents.
Final whistle triggers chaos
As referee Slavko Vincic blew the full-time whistle, Spain's substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate their second World Cup title. Moments later, Argentina's Nahuel Molina struck Spain captain Rodri near the halfway line, throwing his arm aggressively. Rodri turned back and confronted Molina, and the two squared up as teammates remained unaware.
Eric Garcia and Leandro Paredes escalate
Spain's Eric Garcia saw the altercation and ran over to separate Rodri and Molina. However, Argentina's Leandro Paredes then sprinted across and attacked Garcia, sending him flying. The linesman attempted to intervene but failed. Garcia got up, but Paredes grabbed him by the throat, forcing Argentina's coaching staff, including head coach Lionel Scaloni, to surround Garcia and protect him from his own teammate.
Gavi targeted by multiple Argentines
Paredes then turned his attention to Spain's 21-year-old midfielder Gavi. Paredes and Argentina substitute Thiago Almada pushed and pulled Gavi, ripping his training bib. Gavi fell to the floor and tried to get up, but Paredes threw him down again. The brawl involved multiple players from both sides.
Aftermath and disciplinary action
Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle. FIFA announced it will investigate the post-match scenes and decide whether to take disciplinary action against Argentina. Spain, meanwhile, celebrated winning the World Cup for the second time in their history, with Gavi lifting the trophy surrounded by jubilant teammates.
