Overview
- Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday when substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal to secure the 2026 World Cup.
- A violent post-match confrontation followed the final whistle with footage showing Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes grabbing Spain's Eric García and throwing Gavi to the ground while other clashes involved Nahuel Molina and Dani Olmo.
- Argentina had been reduced to 10 men earlier when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in the 93rd minute, a sending-off that preceded the extra-time winner.
- FIFA said the disciplinary and ethics prosecutor will examine match reports and footage under Article 36 of its Disciplinary Code but has not yet announced formal charges or a timeline for sanctions.
- Lionel Messi posted an emotional message saying the loss will take time to heal and Argentine media reported he told teammates he will retire from international football, a claim that has not been officially confirmed; thousands of fans nonetheless greeted the team warmly on its return to Buenos Aires.