Argentina Hit By Huge Setback As Star Becomes Sixth Player Sent Off In World Cup Final vs Spain: Check Full List

Argentina suffered a massive blow in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off late in the match, becoming only the sixth player in history to receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup final.

The Chelsea midfielder received a second yellow card after a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí during the closing stages of normal time, reducing Lionel Scaloni's side to 10 men at a crucial stage of the title clash. The dismissal forced Argentina to defend with a numerical disadvantage as the final headed into extra time.

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Enzo Fernández Becomes Sixth player to be sent off in a World Cup Final

Fernández joined an unwanted list featuring some of football's biggest names. Before Sunday, only five players had ever been dismissed in a FIFA World Cup final.

His sending-off came after persistent disciplinary issues throughout the match, with several Argentina players receiving yellow cards as tensions escalated in the fiercely contested final. The reigning champions were already dealing with the first-half injury to Lisandro Martínez before Fernández's dismissal further complicated their night. 

🚨🚨 ENZO FERNANDEZ RECEIVED A RED CARD FOR THIS FOUL ON CUBARSI! 🟥https://t.co/IuV1gtVGkKpic.twitter.com/jKlsGIm0Od

— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) July 19, 2026

Full list of players sent off in FIFA World Cup Finals

The first-ever dismissal in a World Cup final came in 1990, when Argentina defender Pedro Monzón was shown a straight red card against West Germany. His teammate Gustavo Dezotti was also sent off later in the same match, leaving Argentina with nine men.

Eight years later, France defender Marcel Desailly received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card in the 1998 final against Brazil.

Perhaps the most famous dismissal came in 2006, when Zinedine Zidane was sent off in the final match of his legendary career after headbutting Marco Materazzi during France's final against Italy.

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The most recent player before Fernández to see red in a World Cup final was John Heitinga, who was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card during the Netherlands' defeat to Spain in the 2010 final.

Fernández's red card now adds another chapter to World Cup final history, making him the sixth player ever to be sent off on football's biggest stage.