Gangs of New Jersey: how the World Cup final descended into ugly scenes between Argentina and Spain

Published 20 July 2026 · sports

The World Cup final took an ugly turn at the end of extra time as Spain were crowned champions. Here’s what happened, frame by frame

The World Cup final took an ugly turn at the end of extra time as Spain were crowned champions. Here’s what happened, frame by frame. It’s all over … or is it? View image in fullscreen Spain’s substitutes run onto the pitch in celebration as the final whistle blows in Sunday’s World Cup final. Photograph: Alexandre Martins/DPPI/Shutterstock As the referee, Slavko Vincic, blows the full-time whistle, Spain’s substitutes run onto the pitch to celebrate World Cup glory with their teammates. Molina strikes first View image in fullscreen Argentina’s Nahuel Molina takes a swing at Spain’s Rodri. Photograph: BBC Rodri is struck by Nahuel Molina near the halfway line, the Argentinian right-back aggressively throwing his arm out at Spain’s captain.

… Rodri reacts View image in fullscreen Molina and Rodri square-up following their initial confrontation. Photograph: John Sibley/Reuters Rodri turns back and confronts Molina, and the two players square up as their teammates remain unaware of what’s unfolding. Eric Garcia gets involved View image in fullscreen Spain’s Eric Garcia and Rodri argue with Argentina’s Nahuel Molina Photograph: James Lang/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Garcia sees what is happening and runs over to Rodri and Molina in an attempt to prevent the confrontation from escalating. … so too does Paredes View image in fullscreen Argentina’s Leandro Paredes scuffles with Spain’s Eric Garcia. Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Now it’s Leandro Paredes’s turn to enter the fray. He sprints across and attacks Garcia, sending him flying.

The linesman attempts to get between the two players, but to no avail. Paredes goes at Garcia again View image in fullscreen Leandro Paredes grabs Eric Garcia by the throat. Photograph: Leandro Paredes grabs Eric Garcia by the throat/ITV Garcia gets up only to be attacked by Paredes once again, the Argentina midfielder grabbing his Spanish counterpart by the throat as the linesman continues to try and break up the pair. Argentina’s coaching staff, including head coach Lionel Scaloni, surround Garcia and protect him from their own teammate. Ganging up on Gavi View image in fullscreen Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada clash with Spain’s Gavi. Photograph: James Lang/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Paredes turns his attention to Gavi.

The 21-year-old midfielder finds himself pushed and pulled in different directions by Paredes, and also Argentinian substitute Thiago Almada, who rip the Spainard’s training bib. Gavi falls to the floor and attempts to get back up before Paredes throws him down again,. A happy ending View image in fullscreen Gavi lifts the World Cup trophy while surrounded by his jubilant Spain teammates. Photograph: William Volcov/Shutterstock Leandro Paredes is sent off after the final whistle, with Argentina facing disciplinary proceedings: Fifa is to investigate the post-match scenes before deciding whether to take action. Spain meanwhile celebrate winning the World Cup for the second time in the country’s history.