Spain claimed the 2026 FIFA World Cup crown with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.
Emiliano Martínez produced a series of crucial saves to keep Argentina in the contest, but Ferran Torres eventually found the breakthrough in extra time, sealing the title for La Roja and ending the country’s 16-year wait to become world champions again.
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Argentina’s game plan was dealt a major blow in the closing moments of normal time when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in the 90th minute and was sent off, leaving the reigning champions to contest all of extra time with only 10 players.
Tensions flared immediately after the final whistle as Spain’s Gavi and Argentina’s Leandro Paredes became involved in a fiery confrontation.
Spain’s substitutes poured onto the pitch to celebrate their World Cup success, but jubilant scenes quickly turned chaotic as several Argentine players confronted members of the Spanish side.
🚨🥊 Full scenes after final whistle.@MickyJnr__ 🎥 pic.twitter.com/ZXCvAFkHwy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2026
Footage circulating from the incident appeared to show Paredes challenging Gavi, dragging the Barcelona youngster to the ground before pushing him in the face.
According to Fabrizio Romano on X, Paredes received a straight red card after the match had ended because of his involvement in the clash.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni also stepped in, attempting to pull his players away and stop the situation from escalating.
The reason behind the confrontation has not yet been confirmed, and there has been no official explanation of what was said between the two players.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section.
