New full footage of World Cup final brawl shows it was ‘even worse’ than shown on TV
Anarchy erupted on the pitch following Argentina's defeat at the 2026 World Cup final.
Footballers were sent flying and punches were thrown following Spain's victory, which was secured by Ferran Torres after he bagged a goal in the 106th minute.
Footage which was taken from the stands suggests the post-match showdown between the rival teams was a lot more savage than what we saw on TV.
British broadcasters seemingly didn't show the full extent of the brawl that erupted after Argentina's hopes of securing a World Cup win were dashed.
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The defending champions crashed out of the football tournament after star striker Torres hit the back of the net during extra time at the pivotal match in New Jersey.
Wrapping up what has been a World Cup brimming with chaos, controversy and unforgettable moments, the South American side ended up embroiled in a mass confrontation with their opponents.
Defender Nahuel Molina appeared to take a swing at Spain's captain Rodri and is said to have struck him in the stomach, while Leandro Paredes is alleged to have pushed La Roja ace Eric Garcia by the throat.
Paredes then grappled with 21-year-old Spanish star Gavi, who ended up on the ground. The Argentinian player had a grip of him by his substitute bib and appeared to push him in the face.
The conduct of those on the pitch has been branded 'a disgrace' by pundits such as Gary Neville.
The former Manchester United star said during ITV's coverage: "I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives, Messi has propped them up, but it’s been a disgrace the last few games."
Premier League legend Alan Shearer added: "Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that.
"We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible."
BBC pundit Joe Hart was of a similar opinion, as he also told viewers: "There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players.
por que el raton ayala le pegó una piña a dani olmo jajdjsjsjsj pic.twitter.com/ZNkBpPAcjU
— Peñargrol (@CAPArgento__) July 20, 2026
"The game’s done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour. Spain fully deserve it. They have been absolutely superb all tournament.
"They have dominated all game against a rigid, rugged Argentina. The best team has won this World Cup."
Fans inside the stadium had a different perspective of the drama that unfolded in the pitch and claim to have captured footage of blows being exchanged that wasn't shown on TV.
🚨🥊 Full scenes after final whistle.@MickyJnr__ 🎥 pic.twitter.com/ZXCvAFkHwy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2026
After watching the alternate angle of the video shared to X, one social media user said: "Bro thought this was a UFC main event instead of a football match."
Another added: "They’re so classless man."
A third wrote: "Fighting because you didn't win the World Cup. Totally shameful. They couldn't accept defeat and forge ahead."
Tempers were flaring among Argentinian players towards the end of the match, while midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off just before the additional period after receiving a second yellow card.
Wayne Rooney, who was one of the pundits covering the game for the BBC, compared the team's conduct to that saw during the clash with the Three Lions last week.
Speaking of the unsavoury behaviour, he said: "Does it surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this with Argentina before. It’s just not the reaction you want.
"We’ve seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That’s just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It’s really poor from them."
World Cup winners by year
2022 - Argentina
Perhaps one of the most dramatic finals in World Cup history was France vs Argentina at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in 2022.
Following a tense 3-3 draw after extra time, Argentina were ultimately crowned the champions after beating Didier Deschamps' side 4-2 on penalties.
2018 - France
A stellar performance at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium in 2018 led to France bagging their second World Cup title, triumphing 4-2 over Croatia.
2014 - Germany
An extra-time goal from Germany’s Mario Götze sealed his team's 1-0 victory over Argentina at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2014.
2010 - Spain
Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in 2010’s final at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was all thanks to a late extra-time goal from midfielder Andrés Iniesta.
2006 - Italy
Italy won the 2006 World Cup at Olympiastadion Berlin, Germany, after beating France 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw at extra time.
- 2002 - Brazil
- 1998 - France
- 1994 - Brazil
- 1990 - West Germany
- 1986 - Argentina
- 1982 - Italy
- 1978 - Argentina
- 1974 - West Germany
- 1970 - Brazil
- 1966 - England
- 1962 - Brazil
- 1958 - Brazil
- 1954 - West Germany
- 1950 - Uruguay
- 1938 - Italy
- 1934 - Italy
- 1930 - Uruguay
Olivia Burke