De la Fuente condemns Argentina players’ conduct after 2026 World Cup final melee

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has denounced the behaviour of several Argentina players in the chaotic scenes that followed the 2026 World Cup final, describing what happened as “unacceptable” and “intolerable”.

Spain were crowned world champions for the second time in their history after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina at MetLife Stadium last Sunday, but post-match celebrations descended into disorder as players from both sides became involved in clashes on the pitch.

Speaking on Spanish television in his first direct public comments on the incidents, De la Fuente said he was initially unaware of the trouble because he was celebrating with his squad.

“In that moment I did not know what had happened, because I was celebrating with the players,” he said. “But what took place after the match cannot be accepted under any circumstances.”

The 63-year-old coach, whose team had just ended Argentina’s reign as world champions, sharpened his criticism when later quoted by French broadcaster RMC.

“What we saw is intolerable and unacceptable,” he said. “Players at this level, led by a great coach, must also have felt bad when they saw this behaviour. These are scenes that do not belong in football.”

Clashes after the final whistle
The closing moments at MetLife Stadium were overshadowed by a series of confrontations as emotions spilled over following the final whistle.

Leandro Paredes was involved in heated and physical altercations with several Spain players, while Nahuel Molina was seen striking Rodri during the melee.

Fabian Ayala, an assistant to Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, was also accused of assaulting Dani Olmo amid the post-match chaos.

Television footage and images of the incidents circulated rapidly worldwide, prompting widespread debate about player conduct in one of the sport’s showpiece events.

De la Fuente praises Spain players’ restraint
De la Fuente, however, reserved particular praise for the way his own squad responded to what he labelled “provocations”.

“I would like to highlight the behaviour of our players in the face of this type of aggression and provocation,” he said. “They kept their calm and acted with sportsmanship until the end.”

The coach’s comments underline Spain’s desire to distance themselves from the disorder and to project an image of composure and professionalism in the tense aftermath of their World Cup triumph.

FIFA opens investigation
World governing body FIFA has already launched a formal investigation into the events that followed the final, seeking to establish precisely what happened and who was responsible.

The inquiry will aim to determine individual and collective liability before deciding on any disciplinary measures against those involved in the clashes.

FIFA has not yet indicated when its investigation will conclude or when any potential sanctions might be announced, but De la Fuente’s remarks add to the mounting scrutiny on Argentina’s players and staff over their conduct at the end of the match.