Spain beats Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win second World Cup; FIFA investigates post-match violence

Spain's extra-time triumph

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on 19 July. Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute, securing Spain's second world title after their 2010 victory. Argentina, the defending champions, failed to register a single shot during the 90 minutes of regular time. Coach Luis de la Fuente, at 65, became the oldest manager to win a World Cup. The tournament was the first to feature 48 teams, the largest in history.

Post-match violence and FIFA investigation

After the final whistle, several Argentine players and staff were involved in physical altercations. Leandro Paredes struck Eric Garcia and then Gavi, who had intervened. Nahuel Molina punched Rodri in the stomach as the Spanish midfielder was celebrating. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala hit Dani Olmo in the face. Paredes received a red card after the match. Sky Sports reported that FIFA has opened an investigation into the three incidents. Coach Lionel Scaloni said Argentina "can take defeat on the chin," but the violence has drawn widespread condemnation.

UEFA president boycotts final amid FIFA rift

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin did not attend the final, a decision Reuters and The Times described as a deliberate boycott. The immediate trigger was FIFA's suspension of the automatic one-match ban for United States forward Folarin Balogun, who had been sent off in the round of 16 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The suspension, which allowed Balogun to play against Belgium, came after a phone call from US president Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. UEFA issued a statement calling the decision "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustified" and said it "crossed a red line." Ceferin's absence, The Times noted, "proves a deep rift between FIFA and UEFA." Further tensions included the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Artan from the tournament after he was denied entry to the United States; UEFA later appointed him to officiate the Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on 12 August.

We express astonishment at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustified decision. This crosses a red line. The automatic one-match suspension following a red card is non-negotiable and cannot depend on the discretion of governing bodies.

Celebrations in Madrid and royal reception

The Spanish team returned to Madrid on Monday, where King Felipe VI received them at Zarzuela Palace. The monarch called the victory "impressive" and described the team's journey as an "odyssey" marked by suffering and bruises against Argentina.

You are tired, but what a wonderful tiredness, isn't it?

Later, over a million fans gathered at Cibeles square for a celebration that lasted past midnight. Some supporters held banners reading "Infantino resign," reflecting anger over perceived favouritism toward Argentina during the tournament. Security was provided by around 2,000 police officers and 400 Civil Guard members.

Refereeing controversies throughout the tournament

The World Cup was dogged by officiating disputes. In the group stage, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak did not caution Lionel Messi for stepping on an opponent, a decision some experts said warranted at least a yellow card. In the quarter-final, Switzerland's Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for alleged simulation after a VAR review, leaving his team with ten men. Swiss coach Murat Yakin criticised the rule as "unacceptable" and said it "destroyed our game." Spain's Aymeric Laporte admitted before the final that some decisions had "surprised" his team, and France coach Didier Deschamps expressed disappointment with the refereeing in the semi-final.

We were punished because of an unacceptable rule. I don't understand it. It's a rule that has nothing to do with football. It destroyed our game.