Why was Enzo Fernández sent off in the World Cup Final? Red card explained

Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 2026 World Cup final after receiving two yellow cards within 10 minutes, a dismissal that helped swing a tightly contested match against Argentina. According to the account, the first booking came in the 82nd minute after Fernández went down under minimal contact from Spain’s Rodri and, when no foul was called, he signaled frustration toward referee Slavko Vincic and clapped sarcastically. Deep into stoppage time, Fernández chased a loose ball near the halfway line but arrived too late; after Spain’s Pau Cubarsí cleared, Fernández lunged in and caught Cubarsí heavily on the shin and leg. The referee issued a second yellow, then Fernández protested briefly, asked for a VAR review, and left with an apology. Playing with 10 men, Argentina failed to register a shot in 90 minutes as Emiliano Martínez kept Spain at bay, including a save to deny Lamine Yamal. Spain scored through substitute Ferran Torres in extra time to win 1-0 for a second title.