Video: The arbitration dispute ignited the final of the World Cup. Why was Spain’s goal canceled?

The Spain-Argentina 2026 World Cup final saw one of its most exciting and controversial moments when the video assistant referee (VAR) technology intervened to disallow a goal that had put Spain ahead in the first extra time, sparking widespread protests from La Roja’s players and their technical staff.

Nico Williams scored against Argentina in the 96th minute to the delight of the Spanish fans, before the celebrations quickly died down after Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic disallowed the goal due to a foul on Mikel Merino before the ball reached Williams.

After viewing the footage via video technology, the referee’s decision to disallow the goal was upheld amid strong objections from the Spanish side, who saw the challenge not call for a foul.

In return, he supported Spanish site “Archivó Far”. The arbitration decision confirmed that Merino committed a flagrant foul against Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi during a fight for position in the penalty area.

“Did Merino make a mistake against Otamendi before Nico’s goal? Yes. While fighting for position, the Spanish player stepped on the foot of the Argentine defender, which is considered a foul that requires the goal to be disallowed.”

The site also praised how the referee handled the situation, explaining: “Slavko Vincic showed good judgment when he allowed the attack to continue until the end before calling a foul, which is the correct procedure according to the assistant referee’s protocol.”