On 19/7 at MetLife Stadium, Spain dominated Argentina, securing a 1-0 victory in extra time with Ferran Torres's left-footed shot.

Following the medal ceremony, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump, Argentina's players did not stay to watch their opponents lift the trophy, as is customary. Instead, the entire team, coaching staff, and other members moved towards the stands filled with Argentine fans and turned their backs on the awards podium.

Argentina's players turned their backs as Spain lifted the World Cup 2026 trophy at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, US, on 19/7. *Photo: EFE*

Television footage showed that as the Spanish players raised the golden trophy amid a shower of yellow confetti, the entire Argentine squad stood facing the opposite direction.

This action immediately drew criticism from Spanish media. AS newspaper described it as an "unacceptable" gesture, suggesting the runners-up showed a "lack of respect for the champions". The newspaper stated, "The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain ended poorly, becoming uglier when Argentine players turned their backs as opponents lifted the cup."

AS also commented that the entire Argentine national team disregarded "one of the unwritten rules for runners-up": staying to witness the champions' triumph.

Argentina's players turned their backs as Spain lifted the trophy. *Video: Daily Mail*

Meanwhile, Marca published an opinion piece titled "Argentina's shameful gesture embarrasses the world". Author Juan Ignacio Gallardo asserted this act was "unprecedented in football history" and "one of the most despicable things ever seen at World Cups".

Gallardo criticized Argentina for "trampling on sportsmanship values" and damaging the image of a team that has won the World Cup three times. The commentary also suggested that even many Argentine fans disagreed with their team's conduct, emphasizing, "Before the match, many wondered why fans worldwide supported Spain instead of Argentina. Now we know the answer."

In the World Cup 2026 final, Argentina further tarnished their image with an aggressive playing style. Enzo Fernandez received a red card in second-half stoppage time, leaving Argentina with one player less for two extra times. After the match, Leandro Paredes was also shown a direct red card for pushing and knocking down two Spanish players. Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi accused Rodri and Aymeric Laporte of "crying all week" and attempting to influence the referee days before the match.

Paredes clashed with Gavi after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, US, on 19/7. *Photo: Reuters*

Marca also reported that Argentina entered the final aiming to compensate for their technical, tactical, and collective play deficiencies with "extreme intensity". According to the newspaper, throughout the match, the South American team consistently committed fouls, engaged in clashes, provoked opponents, and tried to disrupt Spain's rhythm. The referee was reportedly too lenient, allowing many Argentine players to remain on the field despite having sufficient reason to be sent off.

The trophy presentation ceremony also garnered attention as US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the medals and the championship trophy. After handing the trophy to captain Rodri, Trump remained on the podium with the Spanish players during their celebrations, instead of stepping aside as is customary.

Infantino appeared to signal for the US President to leave the position before Spain lifted the cup, but Trump stayed alongside the players amidst the confetti shower. When Trump and Infantino appeared on the field for the awards, boos also rang out from the MetLife Stadium stands.

Key moments of the World Cup 2026 final.

*Compiled by Hong Duy*