Spain coach de la Fuente condemns Argentina's post‑final brawl

Spain secured a 1‑0 extra‑time victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. Moments after the final whistle, a physical clash broke out when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes confronted Spanish players Eric Garcia and Gavi, with further incidents involving Nahuel Molina and Spain captain Rodri. Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente described the conduct as “intolerable and unacceptable”, saying he had missed the events while celebrating but later condemned the aggression and praised his players for remaining composed.

FIFA responded by appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate possible violations of its code. Argentine assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologised for his involvement, describing his action as a shove rather than a punch. Separate from the incident, FIFA president Gianni Infantino sent a congratulatory letter to the Argentine FA that praised the team’s performance but omitted any reference to the post‑match violence. An online “Argentina Out” petition gathered millions of signatures but was closed after the final, underscoring the broader fallout from the bout.