Spain Denied Extra-Time Goal Against Argentina After Controversial Foul Call

Nico Williams found the net in the 96th minute, but the goal was ruled out after Mikel Merino was penalized for a challenge on Nicolás Otamendi.

Rabat – Spain were denied a potential opening goal against Argentina following a controversial refereeing decision during extra time in the 2026 World Cup final.

Nico Williams put the ball beyond Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in the 96th minute, sparking celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters at New York New Jersey Stadium.

However, the goal was immediately ruled out after referee Slavko Vinčić penalized Mikel Merino for a foul on Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi during the build-up.

Decision Sparks Debate

Replays showed contact between Merino and Otamendi before the ball reached Williams, but the decision quickly divided viewers because the challenge appeared relatively slight.

Spain argued that there was not enough contact to justify cancelling a goal in a World Cup final, while the match officials considered the infringement sufficient to stop the move.

The incident became more controversial because Argentina had been reduced to 10 players only minutes earlier.

Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in stoppage time at the end of regulation, leaving the defending champions with a numerical disadvantage throughout extra time.