The World Cup has now been concluded. The final between Spain and Argentina was hotly anticipated. Fantasy didn't match reality as the match was mainly one sided with Spain making all the shots and Argentina offering nothing in return in the ninety minutes.
A goal by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute ensured a 1-0 win over Argentina. In the aftermath, a brawl broke out between the sides and Argentina's performance drew strong criticism.
Spain’s victory in the FIFA World Cup final confirmed what many have long believed: football is a team sport and in the end, the collective defeats the individual.
It also reinforced the importance of junior development; standardised coach education; technical training at youth level and national teams across all age groups playing a consistent style that promotes tactical understanding, technical excellence and possession-based football.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente represents the modern evolution of a system adopted more than 30 years ago.
While the 1-0 score in a game that went to extra time suggests a tight struggle; it was, in fact, a game dominated by Spain: remarkably, Argentina couldn’t produce one shot on goal. Spain won 65% of possession and completed 762 accurate passes to Argentina's 358.
It was complete domination.
The match burst into life in the fourth minute when 19-year-old Lamine Yamal created a chance, followed moments later by another half-chance. Spain’s early pressure immediately led to an Argentine counter-attack; which was snuffed out near the halfway line by goalkeeper Unai Simón.
The scene had been set: Spain would dominate possession, while Argentina looked to strike on the counter. Leading up to the hydration break, it was a cagey opening quarter; although Yamal looked dangerous on the right.
inviting Spain forward. On the left, Marc Cucurella began pushing forward and turning the screws on Argentina, while Mikel Oyarzabal had a great chance in the 38th minute.
The only statistic Argentina led in at half-time was fouls committed, although only one yellow card had been shown (to defender Lisandro Martínez). Martínez came off injured minutes later and was replaced by Nicolás Otamendi.
Messi had barely been sighted.
The much-hyped half-time show was uneventful, apart from the appearance of Shakira, and the change to the half-time break from 15 to 30 minutes.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes came on and within minutes received a yellow card. The more the Argentinians disrupted the flow of the Spanish, the more you sensed a moment of brilliance would seal the match.
Spain’s coach needed to lift the tempo and brought on Ferran Torres and Pedri in the 62nd minute. Within minutes, Spain laid siege with three quick corners and a couple of half-chances; with the best chance falling to Torres. While the hydration break created much controversy, it perhaps saved Argentina and gave them a chance to regroup.
While Messi hadn't been sighted and Argentina hadn't registered a shot on goal. You could argue Argentina would be the happier side because it was 0-0. They had clearly been tested but they were still in the game.
In the 75th minute it was time for Spain to throw on two attacking options: Nico Williams and Mikel Merino. They laid siege to the Argentinian goal immediately. The Argentinians were hanging on by a thread. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was keeping them in the game.
Heading for extra time, Argentina suffered a major blow when Enzo Fernández made a reckless challenge near the halfway line. Already on a yellow card, he received a second booking and was sent off.
The only way Argentina were going to win the World Cup from here was through penalties. To get there, Martínez would have to produce the greatest goalkeeping performance in World Cup history; while Spain would need to leave their shooting boots behind.
In the 95th minute, Spain introduced two more substitutes and immediately thought they had scored when Nico Williams found the net; only for the goal to be disallowed.
Then, in the 103rd minute, super-sub Mikel Merino missed a free header that could well go down as the miss of the tournament. There were no goals scored in the first half of extra time.
In the first minute of the second half of extra time, Torres finally broke the deadlock. It was all over. At this point, Spain had 20 attempts to Argentina’s 0.
Messi, the greatest of all time, was a passenger, apart from a couple of glimpses at the end; with two corners. This was a brave Argentina but Spain was a complete team.
It was hardly a fitting finale to a World Cup that had delivered 103 mostly magical matches.
The final whistle brought more than just defeat for Argentina. Their 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final sparked a global debate about whether the South American nation’s football passion crosses the line into poor sportsmanship.
Critics worldwide condemned what they saw as dirty tactics, excessive fouls and a shocking display when the Argentine squad turned their backs as Spain lifted the trophy. Many Argentines say the world simply doesn’t understand their football culture.
"I think we deserve some credit for not being very well-liked, because of this tendency to be arrogant and look down on most people from a pedestal," said Leo Simone, a lawyer from north of Buenos Aires.
While Lionel Messi remains beloved worldwide, anti-Argentina sentiment grew throughout the tournament. Critics argued the team received favourable treatment from referees, including questionable penalties and cards shown to opponents.
The final intensified the backlash. Fouls, on-pitch brawls and the team’s refusal to watch Spain’s trophy presentation drew sharp criticism from international media and football figures.
The New York Times described it as a "tetchy, petulant and distasteful performance." Former Germany player, Thomas Hitzlsperger, wrote on X that the team were "disgusting sportsmen," whilst British television personality Piers Morgan claimed "they basically just went around whacking as many Spanish players as they could."
Despite the criticism, thousands of fans welcomed the team back to Buenos Aires on Monday night near Ezeiza Airport. Maximiliano Heredia, a construction worker, said: "We’ve always been criticised, we’re used to it. But we always give it our all."
Many Argentines embraced their villain status online. Journalist Pedro Rosemblat wrote on Instagram: "There’s something about Argentine irreverence that they can’t tolerate. Our rebelliousness irritates them, enrages them…they call us cocky, cheaters, dirty. And we love it, it fills us with pride."
Sports journalist Ezequiel Fernandez Moores told AFP that some criticism was justified. "Sometimes we think we’re the centre of the universe, that God and our own navel are Argentine," he said.
He explained that local football codes of provocation, mockery and boasting don’t translate to global audiences. "We can’t expect the world to understand us, our way of being, feeling and expressing ourselves," he said.
However, he acknowledged the team turning their backs on Spain “was not right”.
Simone rejected claims that physical play makes Argentina violent. "Argentina is a team that fights hard, like almost all South American football, but Spain also resorted to tactical fouls,” he said. “It’s football: if you don’t like being hit, play volleyball."
Evelio Rubio, a Venezuelan who has lived in Argentina for a decade, said it’s impossible to understand from outside how "football is experienced here”. For a Venezuelan accustomed to his national team not winning titles, experiencing that passion from within “is spectacular."
Critics blasted Argentina for dirty tactics and poor sportsmanship during their 1-0 loss to Spain, cementing the country’s status as FIFA World Cup villains, a reputation that grew throughout the tournament.
Allegations of racism against the South American nation’s fans, including from Hollywood actor Samuel L Jackson, were also rife. Argentinians argue, however, that they are just passionate and misunderstood.
Former Germany player, Thomas Hitzlsperger, wrote on X that Argentinians were "disgusting sportsmen" and British television personality Piers Morgan said "they basically just went around whacking as many Spanish players as they could."
Gary Neville has delivered a scathing assessment of Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, insisting Lionel Scaloni's side were fortunate to stay in the contest. The former Manchester United defender also questioned how heavily the reigning champions rely on Lionel Messi.
The former England defender argued Albiceleste produced a poor display despite taking the match beyond 90 minutes. Argentina were chasing back-to-back World Cup titles but struggled to trouble La Roja throughout the contest. They did not register a shot until deep into extra-time before Ferran Torres eventually settled the final in the 106th minute.
Speaking to Sky Bet, Neville admitted he admired Argentina's resilience but insisted their overall performance deserved heavy criticism.
"I did say that my first comments were to admire them," he said. "But they played terribly, let's be clear, they played poorly in the game. What I'd say is: if they stayed in the game, you've got to hand it to them. Well done to them, but they played like a bag of s***."
He doubled down on that verdict, adding: "If it looks like s*** and it smells like s***, it's s*** to be fair. What we watched in the final was a performance that was poor, and they've played poorly at times."
Neville also argued Argentina's remarkable competitive spirit has often masked shortcomings in their performances. He believes the side have been carried by Messi's brilliance throughout the tournament.
"They've got massive chemistry and fierce competitiveness that gets them through, and they've got an incredible player up top who gets them over the line," Neville explained. "Without him [Messi], I said this in the last tournament, they're a team that would probably struggle to get to the same point."
Argentina's World Cup title defence ended in chaotic fashion as Leandro Paredes was sent off for his role in a mass brawl following their final defeat to Spain. Enzo Fernandez had already been dismissed before the final whistle; while post-match violence overshadowed Spain's historic triumph and drew strong criticism from pundits.
The 2026 World Cup final ended in ugly scenes as Argentina's defeat to Spain descended into a mass confrontation after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium. While La Roja's substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate; tensions boiled over among the beaten champions.
Paredes became the central figure in the melee and was shown a red card for his part in the incident. The Boca Juniors midfielder's actions sparked a melee involving players and coaching staff from both teams in front of the technical areas.
Images from the scene captured Paredes aggressively shoving Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat, a move that floored the defender and ignited the fuse for the wider scuffle. Not content with that, the midfielder then wrestled Barcelona starlet Gavi to the turf; pushing into his face before appearing to lash out with his feet.
The disciplinary issues didn't start and end at the final whistle, however. Argentina were already playing with a disadvantage after Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card during the closing stages of regulation time. The double dismissal capped a miserable night for Lionel Scaloni’s side, who failed to give Lionel Messi the fairytale ending his legendary career deserved.
The aftermath prompted strong criticism from television pundits, who questioned Argentina's behaviour after the final whistle. Speaking during ITV's coverage, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville offered a blunt verdict on the scenes.
"It's a disgrace," Neville said. "I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives, Messi has propped them up, but it’s been a disgrace the last few games."
Alan Shearer also criticised Paredes' actions while analysing the incidents on BBC, saying: "Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that. We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible."
Leandro Paredes has spoken out following Argentina's World Cup final defeat, which saw him at the heart of an ugly post-match brawl.
In his first social media comments since Argentina's heartbreak, Paredes made no mention of his violent rampage as he awaits the outcome of FIFA's investigation.
He wrote on Instagram: "THANK YOU, ARGENTINA!!! I LOVE YOU, TODAY AND ALWAYS. Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves - but with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again!"
"Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team—to this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match!"
"It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history."
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card shortly before the end of normal time, giving his team a huge task as they looked to keep out a dominant Spain side.
Like Paredes, Fernandez didn't acknowledge his costly actions, offering no apology and speaking only of his pride. He said in a statement on Instagram: "As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result."
"For years, this group has represented us in the best possible way. It teaches that competing isn't just about winning; it’s about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up."
While Paredes opted not to mention his role in the violent post-match scuffle, the rest of the footballing world has weighed in.
The Argentina star has been widely condemned for his conduct, not least by talkSPORT's Gabby Agbonlahor, who insisted Paredes should be banned from the whole of the next World Cup.
The Aston Villa icon said on the talkSPORT Breakfast show: "You want to feel safe on the pitch, the punishment has to be that big that no-one ever does that again."
"No matter what happens in football, you can be angry you lost, but be classy in defeat, if you want to fight Paredes, there are places to fight - not on the pitch against Garcia."
"And the way he was manhandling Gavi, a 21-year-old kid, and you were throwing him around on the pitch, that's someone's son, brother. Disgraceful. I would ban him from the whole next tournament if I had my way. Coward."
Paredes wouldn't be the first Argentine to be banned following a post-match brawl at a World Cup.
At the 2006 World Cup, after losing their quarter-final to Germany, Leandro Cufre was given a four-match ban and a £4,800 fine for kicking Per Mertesacker
Maxi Rodriguez got a two-game ban for throwing punches and was fined £2,400, while Germany's Torsten Frings got a one-match suspension for his involvement too.
At the final moment, Donald Trump finally made his World Cup entrance. It wasn’t all smooth sailing.
The US president, who has kept largely out of the limelight over the last five weeks, made his major intervention a fortnight ago after USA striker Folarin Balogun had his red card ban suspended; before their last-16 exit to Belgium, after some lobbying from Trump and the US administration.
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Trump did take part in a press conference with FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Friday and was always expected to attend the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday between Spain and Argentina.
Prior to the match, Trump told FOX that the US should host another World Cup "immediately," saying: "We have to do this again, and we have to do this again while I am around, hear that Gianni?!" It should be noted that the U.S.A. can't host again until 2038 at the earliest.
Yet, on a day of high drama and big-name American entertainment, here are the main flashpoints involving Trump on Sunday:
To start, only a small chorus of jeers. Trump, who arrived on Marine One and took his seat roughly 20 minutes before kick-off next to Infantino, was shown on the four big screens in the stadium just after the American national anthem. At that stage, the boos were brief.
The U.S.A. president was sat alongside Infantino and wife Melania in a glassed-in section of VIP seats, with fellow host country leaders Mark Carney (Canada) and Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico) in his section.
Trump was then shown on the host broadcast around 15 minutes into the first-half as he was shown the World Cup trophy in his VIP box.
Yet, after the match, the boos bellowed out for Trump and Infantino as they entered the pitch for the trophy ceremony. The jeering was perhaps not as loud as when Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden; but still very audible.
To be precise, the White House pool report said crowd noise increased to 84 decibels from 78 decibels when Trump entered the pitch.
Alongside Infantino, Trump presented the runner-up and winners’ medals to Argentina and Spain players, respectively. Nothing unusual here, given he is the head of state of the predominant host country.
Yet one notable moment came when Argentina defender Cristian Romero, who plays his club football for Tottenham, walked past the U.SA. president and didn't shake his hand.
Romero didn't acknowledge Trump after receiving his medal from Infantino but he did shake the hands of Sheinbaum and Carney.
Even Spain’s Borja Iglesias, who has criticised Trump in the past, shook the U.S.A. president’s hand. He did remark pre-match of the potential encounter: "I don't want to go to prison."
The failed photobomb. The moment of truth. After awkwardly staying in the middle of Chelsea’s celebrations as Reece James lifted the Club World Cup a year ago, would Trump be front-and-centre again here?
Trump and Infantino both walked over to hand over football’s ultimate prize to Spain captain Rodri. Trump then lingered for a moment, even invoking his famous YMCA dance move; before Infantino looked to chaperone the 80-year-old to the side of the shot as he ran across the players.
Rodri waited momentarily – another key moment of patience from the player of the tournament – before lifting the trophy with Trump lingering awkwardly on the side of the jubilant Spanish squad; before the two presidents applauded the team and departed the stage.
It was still somewhat toe-curdling but there was no such memorable photobomb this time… despite his best efforts.
One of the major talking points in the build-up was the smattering of fog over New York a few days before the final, as a result of severe Canadian wildfires. Trump voiced his unhappiness with the situation to Carney at the match.
Trump recounted their frank exchange at Joint Base Andrews as he returned to Washington. "It went good, but I told him 'you got to stop these fires from coming in and poisoning our air'," the president said of his interaction with the Canadian.
"Our air has been poisoned. I have a good relationship with Mark Carney, but you know, we got to stop the fires up there. If we can help them, we’ll help them. But maybe they should pay us some damages or something, or we should do some tariffs. But it was terrible. I mean, you had businesses closing."
"I’ve never remembered this happening. Over the last four or five years, you saw it starting to take place. I never remembered it happening before."
Speaking to FOX pre-match, Trump declared that the World Cup should return to the United States "immediately."
"Based on the numbers, we will be requesting it immediately,” Trump said, while acknowledging there would be "shock" and "anger" at such a decision. We have to do this again, and we have to do this again while I am around, hear that Gianni?"
Unfortunately, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco confirmed as 2030 hosts and Saudi Arabia the 2034 hosts, the US could not host until 2038 at the earliest – and even that would be an unprecedented gap of just 12 years.
By that point, Trump would be 92 years of age.
I was highly disappointed by the final. It wasn't what I expected. I believe that Argentina were always aiming for penalties. I believe that the Argentinians were sore losers and reacted badly to the loss. There's no room for such violence in sport.
I wasn't surprised by Trump's actions. He always needs to be the centre of attention even when matters don't involve him.