New Delhi, July 21 -- EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Leandro Paredes did not leave quietly. In the seconds after the final whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, with Spain ahead 1-0 and Argentina's second chance at consecutive titles already gone, the Argentine midfielder placed his hands around the throat of Spain defender Eric Garcia. The red card that followed ended Paredes' tournament and opened a FIFA investigation that will now outlast the celebrations.

Ferran Torres had settled the match four minutes into extra time's second period, collecting a cutback from Lamine Yamal and striking across the goalkeeper in the 106th minute at MetLife Stadium. Spain controlled both halves through Rodri's midfield grip and earned its shot at history ...