The 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite its unforgettable football events, was accompanied by a number of contradictions. These discussions covered referee decisions, political interference, and logistical problems, sparking heated debates worldwide. Below are five of the most discussed topics of the tournament.
The most significant scandal was the call from US President Donald Trump demanding the reversal of a player's red card. This incident attracted enormous attention to the tournament.
Another major controversial point arose after Egypt's 3-2 loss to Argentina. After reviewing the goal with VAR, the Egyptian team's goal was disallowed, and they were subsequently denied a penalty before Argentina's decisive goal. The Egyptian coach publicly criticized the refereeing, and the country's football association filed an official complaint. Fans began using the phrase 'VARgentina,' accusing officials of bias in favor of the reigning champions.
FIFA also faced widespread criticism regarding ticket prices. Due to dynamic pricing, match attendance reached record highs: some group stage tickets approached $1000, while final match tickets reportedly reached $11,000. Television broadcasts showed noticeably empty sections at several stadiums, which FIFA explained was because many fans were in the foyer, leading to ridicule.
Additional issues outside the field arose related to travel restrictions. It was reported that visas were revoked for fans from several countries before their trip, and Somali referee Omar Aryan was barred from working. The Senegalese national team underwent thorough screening at the airport, and Iran was forced to base itself in Mexico and fly to the United States only on match days.
The fifth major controversial issue concerned the strict interpretation of offside by the VAR system. Iran lost a historic chance to qualify for the playoffs due to a late goal that was disallowed by the narrowest margin. Furthermore, Iranian players expressed dissatisfaction with the difficulties associated with the travel schedule compared to other teams, which had more relaxed conditions. Iranian players were also subjected to political questioning rather than being discussed for their football.
Following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final match, which Spain won, celebrations were marred by a tense clash between athletes. At the center of this fight were Argentine player Leandro Paredes and Spanish defender Eric Garcia.
Spain defeated the defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time, securing their second FIFA World Cup title. The match ended with a scuffle near the center of the field amid growing tension among the players.
Earlier, tensions flared when Argentina was forced to play with ten men after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in regular time for a tackle on Pau Cubarsí. Lionel Scaloni's team also received six yellow cards. The tension persisted even after the final whistle, as Spanish substitutes ran onto the field to celebrate.
Video footage shows Argentine defender Nahuel Molina seemingly swinging his arm towards Spanish captain Rodrigo during the celebration. Rodrigo stopped him and engaged in a verbal exchange, after which Eric Garcia intervened to calm the situation. The confrontation then intensified.
Paredes allegedly grabbed Garcia by the neck and pushed him while players from both teams gathered around. Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni attempted to intervene to separate the players and call for calm, but the conflict spread across the pitch.
According to circulating videos, the incident escalated into a brawl involving players, substitutes, and coaching staff from both teams before officials and teammates intervened to restore order.
While one clash was ongoing, another started nearby. Gavi of Spain got into a conflict with Thiago Almada of Argentina, prompting Paredes to intervene. Television captured Paredes grappling with Gavi, bringing him to the ground, grabbing his bib, and pressing it against his face.
Despite these confrontations, post-match scenes became more amicable. Several Spanish players hugged Lionel Messi, and head coaches Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente exchanged a long embrace in the middle of the field after the match ended.
During the game, Spain beat the defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time, thanks to a decisive goal by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, scored following a cross from Nico Williams. Despite 12 saves, Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could not stop Torres's goal. Spain dominated possession and created most of the chances, while Argentina failed to register any attempts in regular time and was reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card late in regulation time. Spain's victory concluded their undefeated campaign in the World Cup and added the 2026 title to their triumph at Euro 2024.
During the match, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, both aged 19, became the fourth and fifth teenagers to play in a FIFA World Cup final. They joined Pelé (17 in 1958), Giuseppe Bergomi (18 in 1982), and Kylian Mbappé (19 in 2018), all of whom played for the winning side.
Argentine captain Lionel Messi set a new record as the oldest outfield player to appear in a FIFA World Cup final at the age of 39 years and 25 days, surpassing Gunnar Gren of Sweden, who participated in the 1958 final at the age of 37 years and 241 days. The 2026 final marked Messi's third World Cup final appearance, following 2014 and 2022. He is only the second player to reach this milestone, after Cafu of Brazil, who played in the finals of 1994, 1998, and 2002.
