U.S. newspaper names Enzo Fernández 'sole villain' of World Cup

The Wall Street Journal has labeled Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández as the "sole villain" of the 2026 World Cup, citing his expulsion during the final match against Spain. The U.S. newspaper published a column titled "Two late goals, a red card and the last villain of this World Cup," which reviewed the player's performance and the dramatic shift in his public image during the tournament's crucial stages.

"Enzo Fernández became one of those few players capable of turning almost the entire football universe against him," the outlet stated in its article's introduction. The Wall Street Journal recalled that the six-week tournament produced numerous protagonists and heroes, including a 40-year-old goalkeeper, a long-haired Viking striker, and a Mexican coach known for his remarks. However, in its final assessment, the newspaper was definitive: "As the tournament reached its conclusion, the football universe reached a strange consensus. There was only one villain, and he played for Argentina."

Fernández had played a vital role in Argentina's journey to the final, notably scoring the equalizing goal against England in the semifinals. His tournament ended on a starkly different note in the final against Spain. After receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsí, he left Argentina with ten players before the match concluded. Spain secured a 1-0 victory with a goal from Ferran Torres in extra time, winning their second World Cup. Fernández, meanwhile, finished the tournament ejected and, according to the U.S. newspaper, became the primary negative figure of the final.

The 25-year-old midfielder joined Chelsea in 2023, arriving after winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina in Qatar.