Argentina’s actions after their FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain have sparked widespread debate, with criticism focusing on the team’s conduct during the post-match medal ceremony and trophy presentation.

Spain edged Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time), claiming their second FIFA World Cup title. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the final in the 106th minute, while Luis de la Fuente’s side also stretched their unbeaten run to a European record of 38 matches.

Although Spain’s historic triumph dominated the headlines, much of the conversation after the final centred on Argentina’s behaviour following the defeat.

Argentina criticised during trophy ceremony

After receiving their runners-up medals, Argentina’s players did not stay near the podium as Spain prepared to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy. Instead, Lionel Messi and his teammates moved to the opposite side of the pitch rather than remaining to applaud the champions.

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The moment drew attention because Spain had applauded Argentina while the South American side collected their silver medals.

Another incident followed during the individual awards presentation. As Spain midfielder Rodri walked forward to receive the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, sections of Argentina supporters inside the stadium responded by chanting Lionel Messi’s name.

The scenes quickly became one of the biggest talking points after the final.

Adrian Durham labelled Argentina “total disgrace”

Broadcaster Adrian Durham strongly criticized Argentina’s conduct during his remarks on talkSPORT, as quoted by Goal. “No class whatsoever. They’ve been absolutely shocking. They’ve been a total disgrace here today. The fans, we think, have been brilliant. But even during the trophy lift, when Rodri went up to get the best player in the tournament trophy, the fans were singing Messi’s name, and they were singing “Argentina” as well. They simply cannot accept that Argentina were beaten in the World Cup final,” Durham said.

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Durham also questioned Argentina’s performances throughout the tournament, arguing that the team had benefited from favourable circumstances on multiple occasions.

Durham also criticised Argentina’s semi-final performance. “England in the semis were on top, handed it on a plate to Argentina, who came here to the final and totally embarrassed themselves. Let’s face it, they have had Argentina, a ridiculous list of decisions come their way in this tournament,” he said, as quoted by Goal.

Tempers flare after final whistle

Tensions were already high before the medal ceremony took place. Argentina’s frustration spilled over immediately after the match ended when Leandro Paredes was shown a red card following an altercation involving Spain defenders Eric Garcia and Gavi.

The dismissal added to a difficult evening for the defending champions, who also finished the match with 10 players after Enzo Fernandez was sent off deep into stoppage time. Fernandez received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi, becoming only the sixth player to be dismissed in a FIFA World Cup final.

Ferran Torres delivers Spain’s World Cup glory

The final remained scoreless throughout regulation time despite Spain controlling much of the contest. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a series of important saves to deny Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Pau Cubarsi, keeping his side in the match.

Spain eventually found the breakthrough in the 106th minute. Nico Williams knocked the ball into Torres’ path, and the forward fired his finish into the roof of the net to settle the contest. The victory secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title and ended Argentina’s bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to defend the men’s FIFA World Cup crown successfully.

While Spain celebrated one of the biggest achievements in the country’s football history, the events that unfolded during the medal ceremony and the immediate aftermath of the final ensured that Argentina’s conduct remained one of the most discussed aspects of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

FAQs

Why was Argentina criticised after the World Cup 2026 final?

Argentina faced backlash after players did not stay for Spain’s trophy celebration and fans chanted Lionel Messi’s name during Rodri’s Golden Ball presentation.

Who scored the winning goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?

Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute of extra time to give Spain a 1-0 victory over Argentina.