Spain won the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday night, beating Argentina 1-0 thanks to an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres. However, the match was marred by unsavoury scenes at the full-time whistle, including punches thrown by Argentina players, a red card for Enzo Fernandez, and riots in Buenos Aires.
Match Decided in Extra Time
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time to give Spain the World Cup title in New Jersey. The game had been tense and physical throughout, with tempers flaring even before the final whistle. Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card just before extra time for dissent.
Post-Match Brawl Erupts
After the final whistle, Argentina's Leandro Paredes was sent off for violent conduct. He was seen kicking Spain's Eric Garcia to the floor and then grabbing him around the neck when Garcia tried to confront him. Paredes also exchanged shoves with Gavi. Meanwhile, Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Rodri.
Former England striker Alan Shearer, commentating for the BBC, condemned the violence: "Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that."
Argentina Performance Labelled a 'Disgrace'
ESPN pundit Craig Burley was scathing about Argentina's performance and conduct. He said: "Argentina were a complete and utter disgrace today, both with their performance and their antics. We expected the antics, we expected the thuggery, we expected the off the ball stuff, but we also expected a lot more on the ball, a lot more purpose... they were an utter shambles, disgusting, disgraceful. I'm so pleased Spain won. It was a disgusting performance (from Argentina)."
FIFA Urged to Respond
Writing in the Daily Mirror from New Jersey, journalist Ryan Taylor called for FIFA to take action: "FIFA are yet to punish Argentina's controversial and offensive 'Islas Malvinas' banner post-England but it's about time they threw the book at Lionel Scaloni's side, who also lost huge respect on the day they vacated their World Cup crown. Paredes and Molina's behaviour in particular was unsavoury, shocking and utterly unsurprising if you watched him in action against England in Atalanta."
Riots in Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires, more than a dozen people were detained by police after rioting broke out following the final. According to Argentine newspaper Infobae, the city of three million had been largely peaceful until around 11:45pm, when clashes erupted between police and fans near the Obelisk, a national monument. A group of supporters tried to breach protective fencing, leading to 20 minutes of chaos. Fans hurled glass bottles and other projectiles at police, who responded with tear gas and a water cannon.
Messi in Tears
Lionel Messi burst into tears after receiving his runners-up medal, unable to hold back his emotions after the defeat. The Inter Miami star had managed to keep a stiff upper lip immediately after the match but broke down later.
Shearer Criticises Fernandez Red Card
Alan Shearer also criticised Enzo Fernandez for his sending off, saying: "I mean how daft is that from Enzo Fernandez? He's on a yellow card for dissent. Not for the tackle, for dissent. And he knows that, because that didn't happen long ago."
Rooney Slams Half-Time Show
Wayne Rooney left BBC pundits speechless by branding the half-time show 'crap'. He said: "I'll be honest, mine (highlight) was when it finished. I like lot of those artists but I thought it was crap. I did, honestly. It just didn't get me going. I want the football to come back on. I like Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira. That was flat."
The World Cup final will be remembered not only for Spain's victory but for the violent scenes that overshadowed it, with FIFA now under pressure to investigate and punish the perpetrators.
