Enzo Fernandez: Red card shocks World Cup final as Argentina’s midfielder was sent off in stoppage time against Spain.
With the score tied at 0-0 after 90 minutes, Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in the 93rd minute for a reckless late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi. This left Lionel Messi’s side a man down heading into extra time of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The incident occurred moments after Argentina survived another Spain attack, when the ball was cleared following an Emiliano Martinez save, but as Argentina tried to launch a counter, Fernandez arrived late and caught Cubarsi hard.
The referee showed no hesitation in issuing a second yellow, despite Enzo Fernandez’s protests. Argentina now faced an even greater challenge against a Spain side that dominated possession throughout. Spain controlled the contest for large periods, finishing regulation time with 15 shots to Argentina’s zero, nine corners to one, and overwhelming possession. Yet they couldn’t find the breakthrough against an inspired goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who produced a record-breaking performance with 10 saves.
One of Martinez’s biggest interventions came after the Enzo Fernandez red card, when Spain’s Lamine Yamal stepped up for a dangerous free-kick, but the Argentine denied him with a stunning diving save. The match became the ninth World Cup final to remain goalless at halftime, joining classics like Spain vs Netherlands in 2010. Argentina became the first team since 1966 to fail to register a first-half shot.
As Spain chased a second World Cup title, Argentina aimed to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy. The tension was palpable as extra time began, with Enzo Fernandez’s red card shifting the momentum early in the extra period.