Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has criticised Argentina’s “unacceptable” conduct following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly condemned the behaviour of several Argentina players and members of their coaching staff following the dramatic conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Spain secured a historic 1-0 victory over Argentina after extra time in New York, lifting the World Cup trophy thanks to Ferran Torres’ decisive goal. However, the celebrations were overshadowed by chaotic scenes after the final whistle.
Several Argentina players and officials confronted members of the Spanish team after the match, with Atletico Madrid defender Nahuel Molina and former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes among those reportedly involved in the heated exchanges.
🚨FIFA confirm “NO ACTION” will be taken against Leandro Paredes after his red card was rescinded…
FIFA confirmed to BBC that no disciplinary action was ultimately taken❌ pic.twitter.com/Ym5TmWwWpU
— Now Football (@Nowfootball) July 21, 2026
Speaking to Spanish television, De la Fuente admitted he was initially unaware of the incidents as he celebrated Spain’s triumph with his players and coaching staff on the pitch.
“At the time, I didn’t realise it. I was celebrating, hugging teammates,” De la Fuente said. “But in any case, it is intolerable, unacceptable, it cannot be allowed.”
The Spain boss also expressed disappointment given the respect he had shown Argentina before the final, praising both their squad and coaching staff in the build-up to the tournament’s showpiece match.
De la Fuente reserved special praise for his own players, commending the way they handled what he described as acts of aggression and provocation without allowing the situation to escalate into an even more serious confrontation.
The incidents, which were widely circulated on social media after the final, have prompted FIFA to launch an official investigation to determine whether any Argentina players or staff breached the organisation’s disciplinary code, though no sanctions have been announced at this stage.
