Spain had finally won the World Cup. The football was over. The fighting began almost immediately.

Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner should have been the defining image of the 2026 World Cup final.

Instead, within moments of the final whistle, Spain’s celebrations were interrupted as tempers boiled over on the pitch.

Players from both sides became involved in a heated confrontation after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat, turning the final moments of the tournament into one last flashpoint.

Frustration spilled over

As Spain celebrated becoming world champions, several Argentina players confronted their opponents instead.

Leandro Paredes was at the centre of the confrontation, grabbing Spain defender Eric García by the throat before becoming involved in another clash with Gavi.

Nahuel Molina was also caught up in the incident as players from both teams crowded around while officials tried to restore order.

What should have been the end of the World Cup quickly became another battle.

The referee wasn’t finished

The final whistle normally marks the end of a referee’s job.

Not this time.

Paredes was shown a red card after full-time for his role in the confrontation, while FIFA later confirmed it had opened disciplinary proceedings into several incidents involving Argentina players and staff.

The match had ended.

The paperwork hadn’t.

A bitter finish

Argentina’s frustration had been building long before the whistle.

Reduced to ten men late in the match after Enzo Fernández’s dismissal, they were unable to find an equaliser despite pushing forward in the closing stages.

Spain held on to become world champions for the first time in sixteen years.

Argentina’s evening ended very differently.

Instead of lifting the trophy for a second consecutive tournament, they walked away facing suspensions, disciplinary investigations and questions about their conduct after the final whistle.

The football had finished.

The controversy was only just getting started.