Spain coach De la Fuente slams 'intolerable' Argentina conduct as FIFA launches brawl investigation
Spain's Luis de la Fuente branded Argentina's post‑match behaviour 'intolerable and unacceptable' after a mass brawl erupted at the World Cup final, prompting a FIFA disciplinary investigation.
The on‑field altercation
Spain's 1‑0 extra‑time victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium ended in chaos on Sunday as players from both sides clashed at the final whistle. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes throttled Spain defender Eric Garcia and hurled midfielder Gavi to the ground by his bib. Spain captain Rodri was struck in the stomach by Argentina defender Nahuel Molina as he ran past. The teams had to be physically separated, while Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni tried to calm his players. Despite the severity of the incident, Paredes was not shown a red card on the pitch, contrary to initial reports.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala later admitted to shoving Spain's Dani Olmo, describing the clash as a push and not a punch.
De la Fuente's condemnation
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, speaking to Spanish broadcaster TVE on Thursday, called the Argentine conduct "intolerable and unacceptable." He said he did not witness the incidents at the time, explaining he was celebrating with other people.
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 praised his own players for their restraint during the melee.
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.
Apologies and restraint
On Wednesday, Ayala apologised for his confrontation with Olmo, reinforcing the regret within the Argentina camp. Spain midfielder Gavi later stated that he did not want Paredes to face a suspension for his role in the brawl, even though initial reports had wrongly suggested the midfielder had been sent off.
FIFA investigation
FIFA appointed a disciplinary prosecutor on Monday to investigate the post‑match altercations. The governing body gave no details of the remit for its investigator, nor whether witness statements would be sought from Spain players and staff. FIFA's disciplinary rules allow a special prosecutor to request the opening of proceedings and propose sanctions against member associations, clubs, or individuals.
- Full‑time: Paredes, Garcia and Gavi clash; Rodri struck by Molina.
- FIFA appoints disciplinary prosecutor to investigate.
- Ayala apologises for shoving Dani Olmo.
- De la Fuente calls conduct 'intolerable'; Gavi opposes Paredes suspension.
No timetable has been set, and it remains unclear when any eventual bans would apply, as Argentina has no competitive fixtures scheduled in the coming months.
Medal ceremony tensions
The ill‑feeling continued through the medal ceremony, where the Spain squad formed a guard of honour for Argentine players collecting their medals from US President Donald Trump. Minutes later, when Rodri lifted the trophy, most of the Argentina squad turned their backs on the presentation. The gesture illustrated the bitterness that had built up over the tense final.
What's next
De la Fuente also addressed his future, expressing pride in the prospect of managing Spain at the 2030 World Cup, which the country will co‑host.
Managing the national team in the 2030 World Cup co‑hosted by the country will be the greatest source of pride for any coach.
The immediate focus, however, remains on the FIFA investigation and any disciplinary measures that may follow.
