Softfootball gathered Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has refused to blame the officials for his side’s defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, admitting Spain deserved to be crowned world champions.
Following the 1-0 extra-time loss, Scaloni praised Spain’s performance and accepted the outcome without questioning the refereeing.
Lionel Scaloni said:
Was the refereeing unfair? No, no… We lost the World Cup final because Spain were the better team. We have to acknowledge that Spain played better.
Spain secured the 2026 FIFA World Cup title on 19 July after Ferran Torres scored the decisive extra-time winner against defending champions Argentina in New Jersey.
The match turned late in normal time when Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, forcing Argentina to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.
Playing in Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance, Argentina struggled to create opportunities and failed to register a shot on target. Tempers flared after the final whistle, with Leandro Paredes also shown a red card following a confrontation.
Despite the disappointment, Scaloni chose to focus on Spain’s quality rather than the officiating, acknowledging that La Roja were the deserving winners on the night.
