Trump, the final brawl and the ugly gesture of the Argentinians: the five big controversies of the World Cup final

The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, which was decided by a 1-0 Spanish victory, left several controversies beyond the result. From refereeing decisions to post-match incidents, including the unexpected prominence of Donald Trump, these are some of the scenes that have generated the most controversy.

The disallowed goal and the expulsion

The final was also marked by several refereeing decisions. Enzo Fernández's expulsion for a double yellow card, after a tackle on Pau Cubarsí in added time of the second half, left Argentina with ten players for the entire extra time. More controversial was Nico Williams' disallowed goal for an alleged prior foul, a decision that provoked numerous protests among the Spanish footballers. It also generated controversy that Leandro Paredes finished the match despite having received a yellow card and accumulating several fouls.

The final battle

Precisament, Leandro Paredes was also a protagonist after the final whistle. Several players from both teams confronted each other in the center of the field in a scuffle that forced teammates and coaching staff members to intervene. The images show the Argentine midfielder confronting several Spanish footballers, including Eric Garcia and Gavi, in an incident where there were shoves, grabs, and punches.

Argentina, with its back to the champions

During the medal ceremony, the Argentine footballers turned their backs while Spain lifted the World Cup to face the section of the stands where the Albiceleste fans were concentrated, who continued to cheer on the team. The gesture has obviously generated a strong controversy and many have interpreted it as a lack of respect for the new champions, while others have considered it a way of thanking the support of their followers.

Midfielder Dani Olmo was critical of Argentina's attitude. "They have to set an example and respect the rival also in defeat," he stated after the match.

The whistles at Trump and Romero's gesture

Donald Trump, president of the United States, host country of the World Cup, also became one of the unexpected protagonists of the final. He was booed by the public both before the match and during the trophy presentation, and afterwards, he tried to stay on the podium while Spain celebrated the title. Finally, FIFA president Gianni Infantino discreetly moved him aside, a scene that also went viral.

Furthermore, during the medal ceremony, Argentine defender Cristian Cuti Romero walked past Trump without greeting him. The gesture also went viral on social media and led to all sorts of interpretations, although the footballer has not commented on it. Borja Iglesias also did not look at him, although the Galician forward did shake hands with the American president.