Argentina players spark brawl and snub trophy ceremony after World Cup final defeat
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
— Carlos Montero (@CMonteroOficial) July 20, 2026
The tension, built up over a physical and stop-start match, boiled over after the whistle. According to television footage and international news agency accounts, defender Nahuel Molina struck Spain captain Rodri as he ran to celebrate. In the ensuing scuffle, Leandro Paredes grabbed Eric García by the throat and, together with Thiago Almada, knocked Gavi to the ground when the midfielder came to defend his teammate. Players and coaching staff from both sides stepped in to separate those involved; Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was among the first to try to defuse the situation.
Paredes was initially reported to have been shown a red card for violent conduct in the incident after the match, though, according to the BBC, that sanction was later removed from the official record, leaving Enzo Fernández as the only player dismissed in the game.
The Argentine players’ conduct led FIFA to open a disciplinary investigation. The governing body will review the reports of Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić and the match delegates, together with video footage, before deciding whether sanctions are warranted. Those under scrutiny include Paredes, Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, a former Valencia and Zaragoza player, who television footage places in a clash with Spain’s Dani Olmo. The case was opened days after FIFA began separate proceedings against the Argentine Football Association over a banner asserting a sovereignty claim over the Falklands displayed after the 2-1 semifinal win against England.
TANTO VA EL CÁNTARO A LA FUENTE, QUE AL FINAL… ¡AMARILLA! #DAZNMundial pic.twitter.com/7nILZ7JNsN
— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) July 19, 2026
Minutes later, as Spain’s players filed up to collect their medals and lift the trophy, Argentina’s players chose not to witness the ceremony: they turned their backs on the stage and faced one of the stands occupied by their supporters.
The incidents also included verbal exchanges. Broadcast cameras caught Nicolás Otamendi confronting Rodri over Spain’s earlier complaints about the officiating, in an exchange the Spain captain met with looks of surprise.
The win is Spain’s second world title and brings a frustrating close to what may be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup appearance. The post-match confrontations raise the prospect of disciplinary action, a finish at odds with the magnitude of the title at stake.
