Argentina Sets Unwanted Record with Three Red Cards in World Cup Finals
In the final moments of Sunday’s World Cup final, Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card during Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain, marking a historical low. This event made Argentina the first country ever to have three players sent off across different World Cup finals.
Fernandez, a midfielder for Chelsea, first received a yellow card for arguing with referee Slavko Vincic. Shortly after, he committed a late tackle on Pau Cubarsi in stoppage time, which earned him a second yellow and subsequent dismissal. At that point, the match was still goalless at full time as Argentina sought to push the game into penalties.
The match was ultimately decided in extra time when Spain’s Ferran Torres scored off a pass from Nico Williams in the 106th minute. Argentina struggled offensively throughout, failing to register a single shot on target.
Argentina's Troubling Disciplinary History in Finals
Fernandez joined Pedro Monzon and Gustavo Dezotti, who were both sent off in the 1990 final against West Germany. That game is the only other instance of two players from the same side being dismissed in a World Cup final. France had previously matched Argentina's record of two red cards in finals through Marcel Desailly in 1998 and Zinedine Zidane's famous headbutt in 2006, but Argentina now stands alone with three.
This loss adds to Argentina’s history of heartbreak in finals. Alongside Germany, they now share the record for most final losses at four, having fallen short in 1930, 1990, 2014, and now 2026. Their World Cup victories came in 1978, 1986, and 2022, but their runner-up finishes are becoming harder to ignore.
A Harsh End for Argentina's Campaign
Fernandez was a key part of Argentina’s journey to the final, with coach Lionel Scaloni relying heavily on him during the knockout stages. The way the tournament ended—with frustration leading to a costly red card, a lone goal against, and little offensive threat—sets a somber tone for the team as it looks ahead to future competitions.
