Intolerable and unacceptable: Spain coach blasts Argentina for World Cup final brawl
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly condemned Argentina’s conduct following the heated altercation that erupted after the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, calling the behaviour of the South American players “intolerable and unacceptable.”
The World Cup-winning coach broke his silence days after Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final descended into chaos at the final whistle. The incident has since prompted FIFA to appoint a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the melee.
The confrontation began when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes clashed with several Spain players, including Eric Garcia and Gavi, moments after the final whistle. Tempers quickly flared as players from both teams became involved before coaching staff and officials stepped in to separate them. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was seen attempting to calm his players during the altercation.
DE LA FUENTE CONDEMNS CONDUCT
Speaking to Spanish public broadcaster TVE, De la Fuente expressed disappointment at the actions of the Argentina players, especially after praising the reigning world champions before the final.
“I find it intolerable and unacceptable from players of that calibre, whom I had been praising in the days before and who have a magnificent coach,” De la Fuente said.
The 64-year-old also praised his own players for avoiding further escalation despite what he described as provocation from the opposition.
“I want to highlight our behaviour in the face of that kind of aggression and provocation. Our players always kept their composure and behaved like true professionals,” he added.
FIFA INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY
The ugly scenes have attracted FIFA’s attention, with the world governing body appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incident and determine whether further action should be taken.
While FIFA has yet to announce any sanctions, the investigation could lead to disciplinary proceedings against those involved in the post-match brawl.
Argentina’s assistant coach Roberto Ayala had already issued an apology earlier this week for his role in the confrontation, acknowledging that emotions got the better of those involved after the defeat.
Reuters has contacted the Argentine Football Association for comment following De la Fuente’s remarks.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2030
Despite the controversy surrounding Spain’s World Cup triumph, De la Fuente also looked ahead to the future, saying that leading his country at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Spain will co-host, would represent the pinnacle of his coaching career.
“The greatest source of pride for any coach,” De la Fuente said when asked about the prospect of managing Spain on home soil at the centenary World Cup.
De la Fuente’s Spain capped off a remarkable cycle by adding the 2026 World Cup title to the European Championship they won in 2024, cementing their place among international football’s dominant sides. The celebrations, however, have continued to be overshadowed by the scenes that unfolded after the final whistle.
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