Fabián Ruiz criticises Argentina after tense 2026 World Cup final

Fabián Ruiz has criticised the conduct of several Argentina players after Spain’s tense 1-0 extra-time victory in the 2026 World Cup final. Nearly two months after the match, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder said the scenes that followed the final whistle were regrettable and should not have been presented to young football supporters as an example.

Speaking in an interview with The Athletic alongside PSG teammates Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ruiz said the confrontation was a moment “that everyone saw and nobody likes to see”. He stressed that footballers must know how to win and how to lose, while recognising that no player enjoys defeat. His comments amounted to a pointed criticism of the Argentine reaction without turning into a wider attack on the country’s team.

The post-match disorder involved several players and staff members from Argentina. Leandro Paredes was among those involved in the main confrontation, while the incidents also featured clashes between members of the losing side and Spain’s players. The episode followed a final described as containing numerous Argentine fouls before Spain secured the victory after extra time.

FIFA later imposed significant suspensions over the behaviour. Paredes received a 10-match ban, while Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches. Roberto Ayala, a member of the Argentina staff, received a three-match suspension after being involved in the violence, including an incident in which he struck Spain midfielder Dani Olmo. The penalties gave a formal consequence to scenes that had already drawn widespread criticism.

Ruiz said he would rather the lasting image of the final be Spain’s celebrations. He explained that football is watched by children and adults, and that players have a responsibility to offer a positive example. He also expressed the hope that the confrontation would eventually be forgotten while the celebrations of the Spanish team remained the memorable part of the occasion.

The final itself ended 1-0 to Spain after extra time, giving Ruiz the status of a world champion with La Roja. The midfielder is also among the nominees for the Ballon d’Or, adding individual recognition to a season in which his international profile was strengthened by Spain’s success. His remarks therefore came from a player speaking both as a member of the winning team and as one of the tournament’s recognised performers.

Ruiz is listed as a central midfielder and currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain. He is 30 years old, holds Spanish citizenship and has a recorded market value of €30 million. His club career began at Real Betis, followed by a move to Napoli for €30 million in the 2018-19 season. PSG then signed him from Napoli for €22.5 million in the 2022-23 season. Earlier in his career, he also moved between Elche and Real Betis during the 2016-17 campaign.

His intervention keeps attention on the conduct expected from players after major finals, rather than only on the result. Spain’s victory is now linked to two contrasting images: the celebrations that Ruiz wants remembered and the confrontation that led to FIFA suspensions. For Ruiz, the issue is not simply about losing control in the immediate aftermath. It is also about the example set by international footballers when millions of young supporters are watching.