Tempers flare at end of Spain-Argentina World Cup final

Tempers flared at the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup final as a brief brawl erupted moments after the final whistle. The incident occurred when Argentina's midfielder Leandro Paredes shoved Spain's Gavi to the ground. This happened as the European champions' substitutes rushed onto the pitch to celebrate their hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, stepped in to help de-escalate the situation following the fierce encounter. The match itself had already seen significant tension, with Argentina's midfielder Enzo Fernández being dismissed in second-half stoppage time for receiving a second yellow card. This left Argentina playing with ten men for the crucial extra-time period.

Spain clinched their second World Cup title thanks to a goal scored by substitute Ferran Torres in extra time. The victory denied Argentina the chance to defend their 2022 championship, adding a bitter note to the end of an otherwise triumphant tournament for the European side.