Argentina‑Spain World Cup 2026 brawl aftermath

Spain defeated Argentina 1‑0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner.

In the minutes after the final whistle a melee erupted. Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes grabbed defender Eric García by the throat and shoved Spanish midfielder Gavi to the ground; fellow Argentine Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala also took part. Ayala later admitted pushing Spanish winger Dani Olmo and offered a personal apology.

FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation and appointed a prosecutor, but no sanction has been announced.

Gavi told Spanish radio El Partidazo de COPE that he does not think any player should be suspended, arguing the incident should have been dealt with by a red card during the match and that a physical side is inherent to football. His view was echoed by several Spanish teammates.

The Argentine Football Association is exploring legal action over defamation campaigns targeting its players, and Paredes subsequently joined Boca Juniors, where he was welcomed as a club hero.

In Los Palacios y Villafranca, Gavi and teammate Fabian Ruiz were honored with tomatoes equal to their body weight, highlighting local pride in the World Cup triumph.