Luis de la Fuente, the head coach of Spain's national football team, has publicly condemned the behavior of several Argentina players following the World Cup final, describing their actions as “intolerable and unacceptable.” In an interview with Spanish public broadcaster TVE, de la Fuente expressed his disappointment, noting that the conduct marred what should have been a celebration of the sport.
“At the time I didn't realise, because I was celebrating with other people, hugging team-mates. In any case, 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 said. He specifically referenced the closing stages of the match, when tensions escalated and Argentina's Enzo Fernández was sent off. “It cannot be allowed,” he added.
The Spain boss also highlighted his own squad's discipline under pressure. “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,” he told the broadcaster.
De la Fuente's remarks come as FIFA announced it has opened a disciplinary investigation into the incidents that occurred at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The probe will examine the conduct of Argentina players after the final whistle, which included what many observers described as provocative gestures and taunts directed at the Spanish side.
Reflecting on Spain's Tournament Journey
During the interview, de la Fuente also reflected on Spain's path to lifting the trophy, emphasizing the physical and logistical challenges his team overcame. “It has been 24,000 kilometres, humidity, little rest... All of that process, beyond the opponents, is what you have to overcome,” he said. The coach singled out Rodri, the tournament's Golden Ball winner, for particular praise, stating that to “doubt” the Manchester City midfielder is “an insult to footballing intelligence.”
On young star Lamine Yamal, de la Fuente noted that the tournament had accelerated his maturation, especially in terms of his willingness to sacrifice for the team. Yamal, who turned 19 during the competition, has emerged as one of Europe's most exciting talents.
Looking ahead, de la Fuente said that leading Spain at the 2030 World Cup would be “the greatest source of pride for any coach,” though he insisted his immediate focus remains on Spain's upcoming fixtures in September and October. The controversy has also sparked broader debate across Europe, with over 80,000 fans signing a petition demanding a replay of the final, while Ferran Torres's 'Make Spain Great Again' cap has stirred political discussion.
The incident has also drawn attention to the growing tensions between European and South American football cultures, with some commentators calling for stricter enforcement of sportsmanship rules by FIFA. As the disciplinary process unfolds, de la Fuente's stance has been widely supported by Spanish media and fans, who view his comments as a defense of the integrity of the game.
