Spain coach Luis de la Fuente slams Argentina's World Cup final behaviour

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente slams Argentina's World Cup final behaviour

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has condemned the conduct of Argentina players and staff following the World Cup final, describing the post-match events as intolerable and unacceptable.

The criticism follows Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the showpiece match in New York last Sunday, which secured La Roja their second world title. The winning goal was scored by Ferran Torres in extra time.

Speaking to TVE during a visit to Teledeporte while carrying the World Cup trophy, De la Fuente admitted he was unaware of the incidents as they occurred because he was hugging teammates and celebrating with his staff. However, he stated the behaviour cannot be allowed from players of such stature, noting that he had praised the Argentine players and their coach in the days leading up to the game.

The incidents, which were filmed and shared on social media, involved several confrontations after the final whistle. Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada wrestled Gavi to the ground, shortly after Gavi had grabbed the neck of defender Eric Garcia. Nahuel Molina was involved in a separate incident and appeared to aim a punch at Rodri. Additionally, Argentina coach Roberto Ayala is said to have hit Dani Olmo.

De la Fuente praised the composure of his squad in the face of these provocations and acts of aggression, asserting that his players behaved like good sportsmen and footballers.

FIFA has since opened an investigation to determine if there were violations of the world football governing body's disciplinary code. In a statement, FIFA confirmed the appointment of a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches under Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC). The governing body stated that further details would be provided once the prosecutor's report is finished.

Under Article 14 of the FDC, players found guilty of violent conduct—including punching, kicking, or hitting—face a minimum three-match suspension. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) could also face sanctions if the national team is found to have conducted itself improperly, and involved individuals may be fined.

Despite the controversy, De la Fuente reflected on the unprecedented success of his team. Spain is currently unbeaten in their last 38 matches across all competitions, the longest such run for any team from Europe or South America. During the 2026 World Cup, Spain conceded only one goal in eight games, the fewest ever conceded by a winning campaign.

The victory places Spain among seven of the eight tournament winners who have won at least twice; England remains the only nation with a single victory. De la Fuente attributed the success to the unity of his squad, describing them as one big family who spent 52 days together since the training camp in Las Rozas without a single problem.

The coach noted that seeing a united country celebrate the win brought him more joy than his own personal achievement, though he added that he still needs time to process the scale of the triumph.

While the FIFA investigation continues, Gavi has stated that Paredes should not be banned over the confrontation, and Argentina assistant Ayala has apologized for striking Olmo.