The FIFA World Cup 2026 final produced late drama before extra time as Argentina were forced to play the additional 30 minutes with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in stoppage time against Spain.With the score locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, Fernandez received a second yellow card in the 93rd minute following a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi, leaving Lionel Messi‘s side a man down at the most crucial stage of the title clash.The incident came moments after Argentina had survived another Spain attack. The ball had been cleared back upfield following an Emiliano Martinez save, but as Argentina attempted to launch their own move forward, Fernandez arrived late and caught Cubarsi with a reckless challenge.The referee had no hesitation in showing the midfielder a second yellow card, despite Fernandez’s protests.Argentina were forced to defend the closing moments of normal time with 10 players and entered extra time facing an even greater challenge against a Spain side that had dominated possession throughout the match.
Spain dominate but Martinez keeps Argentina alive
Spain controlled the contest for large periods, producing a commanding display against the defending champions.La Roja finished regulation time with 15 shots compared to Argentina’s zero, nine corners to Argentina’s one, and overwhelming possession. Yet they were unable to find the breakthrough against an inspired Emiliano Martinez.The Argentina goalkeeper produced a record-breaking performance in the final, making 10 saves — the most ever in a World Cup final — to keep his team alive.One of his biggest interventions came immediately after Fernandez’s dismissal when Spain teenager Lamine Yamal stepped up for a dangerous free-kick from around 22 yards. The 19-year-old’s curling effort looked destined for the corner, but Martinez produced a stunning diving save to deny him.The goalkeeper immediately sprang to his feet, punching the air and urging the crowd to raise the noise inside the stadium.
Historic goalless final reaches tense extra time
The deadlock after 90 minutes added another chapter to World Cup final history.The match was the ninth World Cup final to remain goalless at halftime, joining previous classics such as Spain vs Netherlands in 2010 and Germany vs Argentina in 2014.The opening half had already created a unique record, with just three total shots — the fewest in the first half of a World Cup final since records began in 1966.Argentina had also become the first team since 1966 to fail to register a first-half shot in any World Cup match.While Spain continued their push for a second World Cup title after their 2010 triumph, Argentina were chasing a fourth crown and hoping to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
