What should have been a moment of celebration quickly descended into chaos as tempers exploded at the end of the World Cup final. Players from both sides rushed together in a heated confrontation after the match, with dramatic scenes unfolding on the pitch as teammates and staff tried to pull those involved apart. The shocking aftermath instantly became one of the night’s biggest talking points, overshadowing the trophy presentation for many watching around the world.

ARGENTINA players started a mass BRAWL after losing the World Cup final to Spain.

After the final whistle, the losers’ frustrations boiled over with Leandro Paredes going after Spain ace Gavi.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada clash with Spain’s Gavi after the matchCredit: Reuters
FBL-WC-2026-MATCH104-ESP-ARG-FINAL
Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni gets involved in the scuffle following the matchCredit: AFP
FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina
Gavi was thrown to the floorCredit: Reuters
FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina
Paredes was shown a red cardCredit: Reuters

Argentina put on a poor display across 120 minutes against Spain, but looked even worse as they lashed out at the end.

Passions boiled over as Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at a one of the Spain subs running on to join in with his team-mates’ celebrations.

And Paredes got in on the action as he started throwing punches at Gavi and lobbing him to the ground.

As a result of his behaviour, referee Slavko Vincic showed Paredes a red card.

The whole situation was summed up by Alan Shearer in the post match analysis.

He 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.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina
Paredes and Gavi clashed right in front of the assistant refCredit: Reuters
FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina
Players and staff from both sides were involved in the chaosCredit: Reuters
FIFA World Cup 2026 final - Spain vs Argentina
Gavi was eventually dragged awayCredit: EPA

“Too many times we have seen that from Argentina.

“The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”

Fans watching on were also shocked by the actions of Paredes on the pitch as they reacted on social media.

One posted: “What on earth is wrong with Paredes.”

A second commented: “A big ban coming for him surely.”

A third wrote: “Shocking display and brings a bad look to the final.”

A fourth said: “Such a bad loser, get over yourself.”

Another added: “That is a horrible showing from Paredes.”

Manager Scaloni was also pictured in a confrontation with former Manchester City star Eric Garcia.

Enzo Fernandez had already seen red for Argentina during the match.

The Chelsea midfielder was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Curbasi.