MADRID — Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has described the behavior of Argentina’s players following last Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final in East Rutherford, near New York, as “unacceptable.”
Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff, whose team lost 1-0 after extra time and surrendered the world title, confronted Spanish players after the final whistle. Among those involved were Atlético Madrid defender Nahuel Molina and former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes, although no disciplinary action has been taken against them.
“In that moment, I didn’t realize what had happened. I was celebrating and hugging people,” De la Fuente told Spanish public television. “In any case, it is unacceptable behavior. It cannot be tolerated, especially from players of that stature—great players whom I have always admired.”
The Spain coach praised his players for the composure they showed in the face of what he described as “assaults” and “provocations,” saying the incidents could have escalated into something more serious.
Although the confrontations were captured on video and widely circulated on social media, they have not, at least so far, resulted in sanctions against the Argentine players.
Spain won its second FIFA World Cup title, and first since 2010, by defeating defending champion Argentina and Lionel Messi 1-0 after extra time in New Jersey.
U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, presented the 2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy to Spain’s captain during the post-match trophy ceremony.
AFP
