The 2026 World Cup final will be remembered not only for Ferran Torres' goal, but also for the gross violation that turned the tide of the meeting. The decisive episode of regular time occurred in the third added minute, when Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the center of the field rudely played against Spanish defender Pau Cubarsi, hitting him with spikes on the leg. Referee Slavko Vincic did not hesitate to show Fernandez a second yellow card, which turned into a red one. This elimination was Argentina's first red in the tournament and the first in the World Cup finals in the last 16 years. With only ten remaining, the reigning world champion was forced to start the extra time in the minority. It was this numerical advantage that eventually allowed the Spaniards to put the squeeze on the opponent and score the winning goal in the 106th minute. For Fernandez himself, this final ended ahead of schedule and became the main disappointment of his career.
