Spain coach de la Fuente slams Argentina's 'unbearable' behaviour after World Cup final brawl
Spain's World Cup-winning coach Luis de la Fuente condemned the scuffles that erupted after the final against Argentina, as FIFA opened a disciplinary investigation into the incidents at MetLife Stadium.
The final and the immediate aftermath
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, 19 July. The match was decided in the additional period, but the final whistle triggered a mass confrontation between players and staff from both sides. Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes was at the centre of the scuffles. He grabbed Spain's Gavi by the shirt, struck him in the face with his hand, and pushed him to the ground. Moments earlier, Paredes had shoved Spanish defender Eric Garcia. In a separate incident, Spain's captain Rodri received a punch to the stomach from Argentina's Nahuel Molina as he walked past the defender. The scenes were described as ugly by multiple German outlets and involved several Argentine players and members of the coaching staff.
FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings
On Monday, 20 July, FIFA appointed a disciplinary investigator to examine the post-match clashes. The world governing body confirmed it was looking into the conduct of Argentine players and staff. The investigation was first reported by German press agency dpa and later confirmed by other outlets. FIFA has not yet announced a timeline for its decision, but potential sanctions could include fines, player suspensions, or other penalties against the Argentine Football Association.
- Spain beats Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final; scuffles break out involving Leandro Paredes, Gavi, Eric Garcia, Rodri and Nahuel Molina.
- FIFA appoints a disciplinary investigator to examine the post-match clashes.
- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente calls the Argentine behaviour 'unbearable and unacceptable' in a TVE interview.
De la Fuente breaks his silence
Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente, 65, addressed the incidents for the first time on 24 July in an interview with Spanish broadcaster TVE. He said he had not witnessed the scuffles because he was celebrating with his players and staff immediately after the final whistle. Nevertheless, he condemned the Argentine behaviour in strong terms.
That is definitely unbearable and unacceptable, something like that must not happen.
De la Fuente praised his own team's restraint, noting that the provocations could have escalated into more serious violence.
What in my opinion must be highlighted is our behaviour, especially in the face of such aggression and provocations.
He added that the Spanish players' composure prevented the situation from worsening.
What happens next
The FIFA disciplinary process is ongoing. The investigator's report will determine whether charges are brought against individuals or the Argentine federation. No public comment has been made by the Argentine camp as of 24 July. The incident has drawn widespread attention in European media, with German outlets such as Der Tagesspiegel, DIE WELT, and N-tv all covering de la Fuente's remarks.