Spain’s 2026 World Cup victory was overshadowed by a chaotic post-match incident after Argentina’s Leandro Paredes lost his cool and hit a Spanish player who was celebrating their victory on the field at MetLife Stadium on Monday (Sunday in the US).
Argentina and Spain pushed the World Cup final match to the brink, remaining goalless in regulation time.
But Ferran Torres’ heroics in extra time helped La Roja become world champions by 1-0, and even Messi’s magic failed to show its spark in the summit clash at New York/New Jersey.
Paredes confronted Eric Garcia and punched him, leading to tensions erupting on the field.
The Spanish defender’s teammates stepped in, and Gavi attempted to diffuse the matter. 🇦🇷Y bueno, como nunca falta...Leandro Paredes no soportó y quiso pleito después de perder la final. 🙄 pic.twitter.com/PNaIrsIKtI — Sopitas (@sopitas) July 19, 2026 More from Football ‘Kick Argentina out of World Cup’: Why fans are calling for FIFA to oust Lionel Messi’s team Argentina's controversial Falkland Islands banner after World Cup win over England draws FIFA investigation The situation escalated when Paredes struck Gavi in the face, despite Argentina’s Thiago Almada attempting to defuse the tension by pushing the Spanish midfielder down.
Also Read | Spain wins 2026 FIFA World Cup after Ferran Torres' extra-time heroics sinks Argentina 1-0 Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni eventually stepped in to diffuse the scuffle by pulling his player back.
The Argentine midfielder was also shown a red card after the match for his actions.
Spain crowned world champions after Argentina’s toothless display Lionel Messi failed to display his spark when Argentina needed him the most.
Spain capitalised on the chance to score, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring in extra time, giving them a 1-0 edge to become world champions.
Williams got Pedro Porro’s lofted cross to the back post and smartly put it on Torres’ path as he struck the decisive goal to help Spain seal their second World Cup crown.
Quick Reads View All Argentina celebrates win over England with Falklands banner.
Why is this controversial?
‘Kick Argentina out of World Cup’: Why fans are calling for FIFA to oust Lionel Messi’s team Also Read | Mbappe pays emotional tribute to departing coach Didier Deschamps, regrets not giving him a better World Cup farewell It looked like the Spain-Argentina summit clash was heading for a penalty shoot-out after the score remained 0-0 in regulation time before Torres came charging in with his late heroics.
Once Enzo Fernandez was sent off after his ugly challenge on Pau Cubarsi, La Roja struck right on the money.
