Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly condemned Argentina’s conduct during the chaotic scenes that followed the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, describing the players’ actions as “intolerable and unacceptable” as FIFA continues its investigation into the post-match brawl.
The world football governing body has appointed a disciplinary prosecutor to examine the incidents that erupted immediately after Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, ending La Albiceleste’s reign as world champions. Ferran Torres proved to be Spain’s hero, scoring the decisive goal deep into extra time to hand La Roja their first World Cup title in years.
What should have been a historic celebration quickly descended into chaos as emotions boiled over on the pitch. Several players from both teams became involved in a heated confrontation, with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes at the centre of the controversy. According to reports, Paredes grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before also pulling midfielder Gavi to the ground by his training bib. Earlier in the altercation, Spain captain Rodri was allegedly struck in the stomach while running past Argentina defender Nahuel Molina, further escalating tensions.
Speaking to Spanish public broadcaster TVE, De la Fuente admitted he did not witness the incident unfold in real time because he was celebrating Spain’s historic triumph with members of his coaching staff and team.
“I didn’t see everything because I was celebrating with everyone else,” the Spain boss explained. “But from what I have learned afterwards, it simply cannot be allowed. I find that type of behaviour intolerable and unacceptable, especially from players of that level.”
The Spanish coach also expressed disappointment because he had spoken positively about Argentina and their coaching staff throughout the tournament, praising both their quality and professionalism before the final.
“I had been praising those players and their magnificent coach throughout the competition,” De la Fuente added. “That’s why it is even more disappointing to witness scenes like this after such a great football match.”
Argentina’s assistant coach Roberto Ayala has since addressed his own involvement in the confrontation. Ayala apologised for his clash with Spain winger Dani Olmo, insisting that while there was contact between the pair, he merely pushed the Spanish player and did not throw a punch as some reports initially suggested.
Meanwhile, Spain midfielder Gavi has taken a surprisingly forgiving stance regarding the incident involving Paredes. Despite being pulled to the ground during the altercation, Gavi stated that he does not want the Argentina midfielder to receive a suspension. It has since emerged that Paredes was not shown a red card during or immediately after the match, contrary to some early reports circulating following the final whistle.
De la Fuente also reserved special praise for his own squad, highlighting the composure and discipline his players displayed despite the provocation. The Spain manager believes his team set the right example by refusing to allow the situation to spiral further.
“I want to congratulate our players for the way they reacted,” he said. “Faced with aggression and provocation, they remained calm, kept their composure and behaved like true professionals. That is something I am extremely proud of.”
FIFA has yet to announce when its investigation will conclude or whether disciplinary action will follow. With Argentina not scheduled to play any competitive fixtures in the immediate future, uncertainty remains over when any potential suspensions or sanctions would take effect if players are found guilty of misconduct.
For now, Spain’s memorable World Cup triumph remains overshadowed by the ugly scenes that followed the final whistle, as the football world awaits FIFA’s verdict on one of the tournament’s most controversial incidents.
