The aftermath of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina remains a talking point after the match, which Spain won 1-0, ended with clashes between players from both teams following the final whistle.
Fabian Ruiz, a World Cup winner with Spain, spoke about those events in an interview with The Athletic, criticizing the scene that involved several players from both sides and stressing that it does not represent the image football should project, especially to children.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder said: “This is a scene everyone saw and no one likes to see. There are young children watching football, and we must not present this as an example to them.”
He continued: “You must know how to win and know how to lose. No one likes to lose, but that was an unfortunate moment in a World Cup final,” hinting that Argentina’s players caused the clashes as a reaction to the defeat.
Ruiz added: “We always try to set a good example because everyone watches football, from the youngest to the oldest. It was a moment no one enjoyed, but I hope it is forgotten, and that our celebration, which was unforgettable, is remembered.”
The post-final events involved several Argentina players, including Leandro Paredes, who was one of the main participants in the clashes, along with Nahuel Molina, while Roberto Ayala, a member of Argentina’s coaching staff, took part in the violence against Spain’s players.
FIFA imposed sanctions on several of those involved: Paredes received a 10-match suspension, Molina was banned for 7 matches, and Ayala was given a 3-match suspension after participating in the clashes and assaulting Spain’s star Dani Olmo.