Argentina's players turned their backs on Spain as they lifted the World Cup trophy in a dramatic and controversial end to the 2026 final. Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina on Sunday, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner in the first half of extra time. The match was marred by post-match altercations and a visible snub during the trophy ceremony.
Post-match brawl and red cards
Immediately after the final whistle, tensions boiled over. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina sparked a brawl by punching Spain captain Rodri in the chest as he ran to celebrate with his teammates. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was also sent off after grabbing Spain midfielder Gavi by the throat and throwing him to the ground. The ugly scenes set the tone for what followed.
Trophy ceremony snub
During the medal ceremony, Spain's players gave Argentina's players, led by a tearful Lionel Messi, a guard of honour as they collected their silver medals. However, when it was Spain's turn to receive their gold medals and lift the World Cup trophy, Argentina's players moved to the other side of the pitch and stood with their backs to the ceremony, facing their own supporters. The gesture was widely interpreted as a show of disrespect.
Former England captain Stuart Pearce, commentating on talkSPORT, said: 'When Spain were about to lift their trophy, the Argentinians, to a man, all stood with their back to the trophy lift. That probably tells you a great deal, doesn’t it?' talkSPORT host Adrian Durham added: 'Yeah, no class, whatsoever. They’ve been absolutely shocking. They’ve been a total disgrace here today.'
Criticism from pundits
Durham continued: 'The fans, we think have been brilliant. But even during the trophy lift, also when Rodri went up to get the best player in the tournament trophy, the fans were singing Messi’s name and they were singing Argentina as well. They simply cannot accept that Argentina were beaten in the World Cup final. Argentina are a total embarrassment to the game, an embarrassment to the World Cup.'
Gary Neville, former Manchester United and England defender, also condemned the conduct, particularly targeting Paredes: 'He’s a disgrace, him. Fighting for their lives throughout the tournament, even today when they were being outplayed by a great Spain side. But he’s been a disgrace the last couple of games. Why the ref allowed him to do it I don’t know.'
Heated confrontation
In a heated exchange caught on camera, Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi, who played alongside Rodri at Manchester City, accused the Spain captain of 'crying' to match officials. 'You were crying all week. You and Aymeric Laporte, both of you. That’s not right, you were crying with the referees, my friend,' Otamendi was heard saying.
Trump hands over trophy
United States President Donald Trump played a central role in Spain’s medal ceremony, handing the World Cup trophy to Rodri. However, an awkward moment occurred when Trump appeared unsure where to stand, causing Rodri to delay lifting the trophy until Trump moved to the edge of the podium next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
