Footage shows ugly scenes as Argentina player ’throws punches’ after Spain wins World Cup
Things turned ugly after the final whistle was blown for the World Cup final, where Spain beat Argentina in the most dominant 1-0 win that went to extra time you're likely to see.
Spain were in complete control for most of the game and it wasn't until the dying moments of extra time in the World Cup that Argentina even mustered a shot, by which time a Ferran Torres goal had already sealed the win for the Spanish.
When the referee blew the final whistle to signal Spain's victory there was much rejoicing from their fans, and indeed football fans around the world who had hoped they'd beat Argentina, but there was also violence on the pitch.
Some players grappled with each other and threw punches in an unseemly display as fights threatened to break out on the pitch while coaching staff tried to separate their players.
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Fortunately for Spanish players who know they're going to be seeing pictures of themselves in this moment for the rest of their lives there wasn't serious damage done.
It got a bit heated after full time between players from Argentina and Spain 😠 pic.twitter.com/e2idrEBGP3
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 19, 2026
Former England striker Alan Shearer decried the violence as 'terrible', identifying Argentina player Leandro Paredes as throwing 'haymakers' after the final whistle.
Speaking on the BBC, Shearer said: "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."
Anyone who has watched Argentina at this World Cup will know they're a physical team with a penchant for foul play that the referees don't seem willing to punish very harshly, but there is a limit to what's allowed during the game and after it, and violent conduct where punches are thrown have no place in football.
PAREDES TRYING TO PUNCH GAVI AFTER THE GAME !!
— StatPad Football📊📈📉 (@StatPadFootball) July 19, 2026
🏟️ View from the stands
Spain vs Argentina#FIFAWorldCup #ESPARG #FIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/8tyA3Tbsqc
The World Cup final ought to be a display of the best the beautiful game has to offer, and while few would suggest this particular final was an exemplar of the sport it's still going to be the game with the most eyeballs on it.
Everyone who cares about football is watching this game, and to spoil it is to put on a poor showing in the eyes of the world.
If Argentina were that passionate about the game then they might have tried applying it during the game instead of after the final whistle, and the fights between the two teams are a part of the final best filed alongside the bizarre opening ceremony and half time show as an aspect better forgotten.
Joe Harker