Argentine players attack Spanish opponents after 2026 World Cup final

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, securing its second world title. The match was played in the New Jersey–New York area and ended after extra time, with Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić blowing the final whistle. As soon as the game ended, Argentine players confronted Spanish opponents on the pitch. Substitute midfielder Leandro Paredes committed a heavy foul on Spanish defender Eric García and then grabbed him by the throat. Spain's Gavi responded after seeing the incident, triggering a scuffle between players from both teams. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni intervened to stop his player from interrupting Spain's title celebrations. Former England striker Alan Shearer said after the match that Paredes had struck García in the face two or three times. Shearer added that, regardless of the pain of losing a final, such behavior is unacceptable. No immediate disciplinary action from world football's governing body was reported.