The Argentine Football Association (AFA) are reportedly considering legal action following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

The 2022 World Cup winners reached another final after defeating old rivals England in the semis, but were outclassed by Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game in extra-time after Enzo Fernandez’s red card left Argentina battling with 10 men.

Argentina received widespread criticism throughout this summer’s World Cup, with conspiracy theories claiming FIFA’s match officials were favouring the South American nation gaining significant momentum on social media.

Following Argentina’s 3-2 win over Egypt in the last 16, striker Mostafa Ziko added fuel to the fire by claiming the tournament was “rigged” in favour of the reigning champions.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan added: “They want Argentina and Messi to stay in the World Cup for marketing.”

These claims were categorically denied by Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, who jumped to the defence of French referee Francois Letexier.

“Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” Collina said. “Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.”

Argentina then received heavy criticism in the final, despite suffering defeat to Spain, for their negative tactics followed by their players’ behaviour after the final whistle.

FIFA have launched an investigation into the Argentina players’ post-match conduct following a series of unsavoury altercations, while it’s been revealed that midfielder Leandro Paredes was not sent off, despite initial reports stating that he’d received a red card after the final whistle.

AFA ‘Considering Legal Action’

REUTERS/Lee Smith

However, reports are emerging that the AFA are ‘considering carrying out legal action’ following the ‘spread of misinformation’ about their players during the 2026 World Cup, per Sportskeeda.

The prominent X (Twitter) account All About Argentina (@AlbicelesteTalk), adds: “Early reports indicate that the AFA is considering BIG legal action over the misinformation campaign targeting Argentina’s players during the World Cup.

“The potential defamation lawsuits would reportedly focus on false allegations, manipulated or unverified images, and accusations made without evidence.

“A legal team is reportedly already collecting evidence, including posts, screenshots and other material. Further developments are expected.”

Meanwhile, Argentine outlet La Nacion have published a lengthy article highlighting a selection of the anti-Argentina social media posts that spread throughout the World Cup.

Argentina had the world’s backing four years ago in Qatar, with millions of football fans across the globe all desperate to see Lionel Messi finally get his hands on football’s most iconic trophy.

However, public opinion towards Argentina has undoubtedly shifted over the course of the 2026 World Cup, and it seems the AFA want answers.

Arsenal may be unwilling to meet Paris Saint-Germain’s excessive asking price for Bradley Barcola this summer, based on their failed pursuit of Morgan Rogers, according to reputable journalist Tom Canton.

Barcola enjoyed another productive campaign for the Parisians last season, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists across all competitions. However, the Frenchman still found himself somewhat on the periphery of Luis Enrique’s squad, with the Spaniard favouring the likes of Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

PSG are now said to be targeting RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, which would push Barcola further down the pecking order at the Parc des Princes, fuelling speculation that the 23-year-old could leave in this window.

Arsenal have been cited as potential suitors for Barcola, although the Ligue 1 champions’ supposed price demands could present a stumbling block for the deal.

Arsenal unlikely to meet PSG’s Bradley Barcola valuation

Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters

Arsenal’s interest in Morgan Rogers was well documented, with many sources reporting that the Aston Villa man was the Gunners’ primary target this summer.

However, Andrea Berta wasn’t willing to meet Villa’s £117million valuation, while Chelsea were, and the England international is now subsequently Stamford Bridge-bound.

PSG are said to be looking for a similar fee for Barcola, which could ultimately deter the Gunners from making a move.

Arsenal journalist Tom Canton has revealed on football.london that he could see a similar scenario to the Rogers saga playing out in the pursuit of the highly-touted France international.

“Because while some fans might have preferred a move for Bradley Barcola, for example, football.london understands that Arsenal had a valuation of around £80million for Rogers,” he explained.

“The PSG man’s price is far above that, so can we realistically expect the Gunners to pay £117million-plus for Barcola? Probably not. Unless something changes.”

Arsenal should be willing to pay over the odds for Bradley Barcola

via Reuters

There is a shortage of top-class left-wingers available on the market this summer, yet Arsenal undoubtedly need one. For this reason, while the Gunners were right to hold firm on the Rogers front, they cannot afford to be as stingy over Barcola.

If the North London outfit don’t land Barcola, they’ll be forced to turn to slightly less inspiring options. Nico Williams has been linked, but the Athletic Club star’s measly six-goal return last season means his signing wouldn’t exactly get the pulses racing for Arsenal fans.

If PSG demand in and around the £100million mark for Barcola, then the Gunners should be prepared to break the bank for him, even if it means they’ll be paying slightly over the odds. The market is inflated at the moment, and Berta will at some point need to accept that he doesn’t have a choice if he wants to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Donald Trump is reportedly lining up a shock new job for FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Trump, currently serving as president of the United States for the second time, has developed a close bond with Infantino in recent years.

Infantino has showered Trump with praise during that time, culminating in the US President controversially receiving FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw in December.

Trump also handed out the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea in July 2025, and played a similarly prominent role during Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

The 80-year-old handed the winners and runners-up medals to both sets of players – issuing a six-word message to every Spanish player, according to a lip reader – before presenting the trophy to Spain captain and Ballon d’Or contender Rodri alongside Infantino.

Infantino was seen laughing as Trump ignored his pleas to leave the stage in order to allow Spain to celebrate their World Cup triumph. It was the latest embarrassing incident for FIFA, stemming from Infantino’s close relationship with the 45th and 47th US President.

REUTERS/Mike Segar

The most controversial moment of this summer’s showpiece tournament was FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-game suspension of USMTN forward Folarin Balogun following his red card against Bosnia – Herzegovina in the Round of 32.

Described as an “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” decision by UEFA, FIFA made the hugely controversial call after Trump personally intervened, leading to serious questions over Infantino’s position as head of world football’s governing body.

Infantino, FIFA’s main man since 2016, is now reportedly facing a future as a “lame-duck FIFA president”, with several countries who’d previously backed him for re-election now looking to withdraw their support.

Trump Earmarks Shock New Job For Infantino

REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

But it seems Infantino may already have another job lined up, thanks to his close ties with Trump.

The New York Post have exclusively revealed that Trump wants Infantino, 56, to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations (UN).

Trump believes Infantino “is respected by everyone around the world, and recognises he has a special ability to bring people together,” according to source close to the president.

The next secretary-general will be elected later this year to replace the retiring Antonio Guterres of Portugal, who is poised to step down in December.

Infantino would need to win the endorsement of the 15-member Security Council – where the five permanent members hold vetoes – followed by confirmation by the General Assembly, in order to secure the position of high-power.

The New York Post say it’s currently unclear if Infantino wants the job, while it’s also unknown to what extent Trump has discussed the topic with him.

Paolo Zampolli, the Italian-American businessman and diplomat employed as Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships, said “only President Trump could have such a genius idea.”

Zampolli insists Infantino “would do a great job” and is “liked by everybody”.

“At the United Nations, you have to deal with 193 member states,” Zampolli added.

However, one potential sticking point could be the salary. Infantino reportedly earns around $6 million (£4.5 million) as FIFA president, whereas the UN secretary-general’s reported salary is around $418,000 (£312,000).