Spain national team manager Luis de la Fuente has reacted to FIFA sanctions following the post-match incidents after the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina. The news, first reported by Marca, comes as Spain sits top of their World Cup qualifying group with 7 points from three games, having scored 5 goals without conceding any.
What did De la Fuente say about the sanctions?
Luis de la Fuente described the events after the final whistle on July 19 as "intolerable and inadmissible". The coach was perplexed by how such a scene could occur in a competition of a World Cup's stature. "Our players were victims and were harmed by that situation," De la Fuente stated categorically. He insisted his players bore no responsibility for what happened. The controversy has resurfaced after FIFA's Disciplinary Committee issued a series of punishments to players from both national teams.
What were the specific FIFA sanctions?
The world governing body imposed match suspensions on several players. On the Argentine side, Leandro Paredes received the harshest sanction with a ten-match ban. Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches, while Roberto Ayala and Thiago Almada received bans of three and one match respectively. For Spain, midfielder Gavi was the only player sanctioned, with a one-match suspension. These decisions have generated new repercussions between the Argentine and Spanish federations, over a month after the match ended.
How has the relationship between the two managers been?
Despite the tension from the incidents, there is great mutual respect between the coaching staffs. De la Fuente revealed he received a message from Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni after the altercations. Scaloni apologized for what occurred. Both managers were affected by how the end of the match and its aftermath unfolded. Some Argentine footballers even contacted members of the Spanish national team to convey their apologies. De la Fuente took the opportunity to appeal to the spirit of sport, asking that such situations not happen again for the good of football.
What is Spain's current competitive context?
The Spanish national team faces this episode from a position of sporting strength. They occupy first place in their World Cup qualifying group, with a four-point lead over Cape Verde Islands. Their winning streak is impeccable, with five consecutive victories in their last five fixtures. The most recent of those was the 1-0 win over Argentina that gave them the world title. The team maintains a positive run they aim to extend in their next challenge, an away match against England on September 26. Fans can follow the team's progress on our standings page and check the full schedule in upcoming fixtures.
What does this mean for the team's future?
De la Fuente has closed the chapter by insisting on the positive values of sport. "Football is a unifying element of a society. Of unity, of peace, of harmony." he declared. With an eye on the future, the team now focuses on maintaining its performance. Defensive solidity, with zero goals conceded in the qualifying phase, is a pillar to build upon. The squad, which can be reviewed in our squad section, will have to face the match against England without Gavi due to his suspension. The objective remains clear: consolidate the leadership and prepare to defend the title.
