Luis de la Fuente slams Argentina’s conduct following chaotic World Cup brawl

Argentina was not pleased with the way the World Cup Final came to an end.

Spain were crowned world champions after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final played in New York. However, beyond the celebrations surrounding La Roja’s second World Cup title in history, one of the images that went around the world was the confrontation between players from both teams after the final whistle.

Amid the controversy, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente addressed what happened. The world champion coach criticized the reactions of some Argentine players and said that this type of behavior has no place on a stage of such magnitude.

The 65-year-old coach explained in an interview with TVE that he did not witness the incidents in the moment because he was celebrating with his players.

“At the time those events happened, I didn’t realize it. I was probably celebrating. It happened very quickly. I didn’t see it because I was hugging and celebrating in another area,” he said.

However, after watching the footage, De la Fuente was clear in expressing his disapproval of what occurred.

“In any case, it is something intolerable, unacceptable. It cannot be allowed,” he stated.

The tension began immediately after referee Slavko Vinčić blew the final whistle, crowning Spain with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina after the match ended scoreless through 90 minutes. While Spanish players began celebrating their second World Cup triumph, a confrontation broke out between members of both teams, involving pushing, arguments, and physical exchanges.

Hours later, images that were not captured by the official broadcast emerged and showed the origin of the conflict, with an initial confrontation between Nahuel Molina and Rodri. The incidents also involved members of the coaching staffs: Roberto “Ratón” Ayala, Lionel Scaloni’s assistant, was involved in an argument with Dani Olmo and later struck him in the face.

Following the events, FIFA opened an investigation to review the official reports and determine possible individual sanctions for those involved.

During the same interview, De la Fuente emphasized the importance of maintaining respect even during moments of extreme tension.

“Players of that level, whom I have praised many times, and who have a great coach, who surely suffered just as much as we did when he saw those reactions... That is not acceptable,” the Spanish manager said.

The Spain coach also highlighted the attitude of his own players during the celebrations and insisted they remained composed despite the provocations.

“I highlight our behavior in the face of those types of aggressions and provocations. Our players always maintained their composure as true sportsmen,” he said.

Finally, De la Fuente reflected on the importance of winning the 2026 World Cup and admitted he is still processing the magnitude of the achievement.

“I will become more aware of it as the days go by,” he explained.

Spain lifted the World Cup trophy again 16 years after their first triumph in South Africa 2010, in a tournament defined by physical demands, long travel distances, and the challenges of one of the most demanding competitions in football history.