Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in extra time. However, the celebratory atmosphere was disrupted by a post-match brawl involving players from both teams.
Argentina's Leandro Paredes was issued a red card after the final whistle for confronting and grabbing Spain's Eric García by the throat amidst the scuffle. Paredes had also received a yellow card during the match for a hard tackle shortly after entering the game.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was reportedly held back by a Spanish player while shouting, and defender Nicolas Otamendi exchanged words with Spanish players, including Rodri.
Scaloni acknowledged the team's effort despite the loss. "We accept the loss; we gave everything. We were stretched thin coming into this, but giving it your all, like they did today, sets a great example for our people and our country," he said, according to ESPN. "You lose, and you have to pick yourself up again."
BBC commentator Joe Hart criticized Argentina's conduct, stating, "There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players. The game's done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behavior."
The match, held at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., was a tense affair that ultimately saw Spain emerge victorious after extra time.
