Chelsea news: Fernandez sent off as Argentina lose World Cup final

Enzo Fernandez's 2026 World Cup ended in misery as the Chelsea midfielder was sent off in Argentina's final defeat to Spain.

The 25-year-old had already been booked for showing dissent towards referee Slavko Vincic when he made a poor challenge on Pau Cubarsi in the last minute of normal time.

Fernandez was subsequently sent off and received Argentina's first red card at a World Cup since 2006.

BBC co-commentator Alan Shearer said: "How daft is that from Enzo Fernandez?

"He is on a yellow card for dissent, not the tackle, but for dissent. He knows that, because that didn't happen long ago. For him to go into a challenge like that is crazy.

"He can protest as much as he wants, but it's the right decision. He gave the referee only one choice, and that was to show another yellow there for the red."

Fernandez had played a key role in helping his nation reach the final where they had the chance to defend their world title.

He will now have three weeks to rest and recover, as per Fifa guidelines, before returning to Stamford Bridge for the new 2026-27 Premier League season under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea kick off the new season at Fulham on Monday, 24 August.