As the dust continues to settle on the 2026 World Cup, some key topics continue to be discussed. One of those is the way the Argentina players behaved after their loss in the final against Spain.

Luis de la Fuente’s side were able to win the tournament thanks to a single goal in extra-time from Ferran Torres. The match wasn’t packed full of chances or high-quality football, as the Argentine players relied upon the dark arts as they looked to stifle their opponents.

This led to a red card for Enzo Fernandez, while some of his teammates completely lost their heads after the full-time whistle. Most notably, Leandro Paredes went after multiple Spanish players and had to be pulled away from Gavi after he tossed the World Cup winner to the floor. Spain boss De la Fuente has now spoken out on the matter.

De la Fuente Offers Verdict on Argentina Antics

REUTERS/Daniel Cole

As quoted by Sky Sport, De la Fuente has spoken on Spanish television about how he interpreted the events. He remarked that he didn’t initially see what happened, before condemning the actions of the Argentine stars:

The 65-year-old did, however, praise his players for the way they carried themselves in the face of such provocation, adding: “I want to highlight our behaviour in the face of that kind of aggression and provocation. Our players always kept their composure and behaved like true professionals.”

FIFA Will Investigate Argentina World Cup Actions

REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Beyond Paredes’ head loss, Nahuel Molina attempted to knock over Spain captain Rodri as he celebrated winning the World Cup at full-time. On top of that, Roberto Ayala also attempted to punch Dani Olmo in the face, for which he has apologised.

A FIFA statement has confirmed that the actions will be looked into: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents. Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.”

Argentina’s players did not help endear themselves to many when they appeared to turn their backs on the Spain celebrations as their opponents lifted the World Cup. The many antics have sparked widespread criticism. For example, as well as De la Fuente, Spain’s Dani Olmo has also commented on the behaviour of the South American side, telling the press: “We are an example for many generations, I think they should be too.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made its final decision on its investigation into Gianni Infantino’s relationship with Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup. The FIFA president is an IOC member but has come under heavy criticism for several of his decisions throughout football’s biggest event.

Heading into the tournament, which was co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, there were already question marks surrounding Infantino’s close relationship with the US president. He had controversially presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA ‘Peace Prize’ award and welcomed the world to America, only for widespread visa issues to severely impact supporters, coaches, and even some players hoping to travel stateside during the early stages of the tournament.

His latest controversial move came when Infantino accepted Trump’s request to have Folarin Balogun’s red card rescinded, allowing him to play in the USA’s Round of 16 clash with Belgium.

Ultimately, it made little difference as the hosts were thumped 4-1, but the decision raised fresh concerns over what other influence Infantino may have had and the potential damage it could do to the integrity of the tournament.

IOC Make Final Decision Amid Calls to Punish Gianni Infantino After World Cup

REUTERS/Henry Romero

The IOC will not investigate Infantino over allegations that the FIFA President breached Olympic rules on political neutrality when dealing with US President Trump. Human rights group FairSquare said they had submitted a complaint to the IOC about Infantino, citing the rescission of Balogun’s red card after Trump asked Infantino to review it.

Infantino is an IOC member, but a spokesperson for the group explained that due to the complaint being focused on FIFA decisions, its ethics commission did not have grounds to investigate. A spokesperson said: “The IOC ethics commission thoroughly analysed the complaint by FairSquare.

The statement continued: “Separately from this complaint, as reaffirmed at the recent IOC Session, the IOC will continue its efforts to strengthen good governance across the Olympic Movement and to promote greater clarity regarding the respective roles, responsibilities and accountability of its constituent organisations.”

Infantino was in attendance for the World Cup final with Trump, who came out to boos when stepping out onto the MetLife Stadium. The US President was full of praise for the event following its conclusion on Sunday, describing it as a “spectacular success”.

Trump and Infantino Refuse To Distance Themselves Despite Clear Backlash

REUTERS/Leah Millis

Everyone would have thought two of the most powerful men in the world would have been smart enough to realise that their close relationship is tarnishing their already-shaky reputations, thus prompting them to distance themselves from each other a bit. However, in light of all the controversy, Trump has even tipped Infantino for a role in the United Nations.

Trump wants Infantino, 56, to become the next secretary-general of the UN. He believes he “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. It’s highly unlikely, given most leaders – especially in Europe – are opposed to him even continuign as FIFA’s top dog.

Manchester United have the full go-ahead from one player to complete a signing, but they are yet to make their move this summer. The Red Devils’ preparations for the new season are already well underway, with two friendlies now in the books after Friday night’s 5-0 win over Rosenborg.

Michael Carrick has also made progress on the transfer front, signing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, while work is ongoing to sign another midfielder, a left-back and likely a forward, although the latter could depend on a departure.

More business is to come for United, and they know the central midfielder role is likely the most important, given the vital importance of having a world-class pivot in the modern game, and the Red Devils have lost Casemiro this summer.

Baleba option is still on the table for Man Utd

Man Utd were heavily linked with a move for Brighton’s holding midfielder Carlos Baleba during the January transfer window, and the links have spilled over into this summer. United are taking their time over the signing of the final new midfielder of the summer, and they are yet to make a move for Baleba, but the ‘monster’ midfielder still dreams of a move to Old Trafford.

Fabrizio Romano shared on his YouTube channel: “From my understanding, Baleba one year ago, August 2025, was pushing like crazy to go to Man United, and Baleba had an agreement on personal terms with Man United. So he had his dream to become a Man United player. Then Man United couldn’t proceed because Brighton didn’t want to sell the player.

“He was a top target at that time with Amorim, and so nothing happened. Then Man United were considering Baleba as a top target when Amorim was at the club. Then, since January, when Amorim and Man United decided not to continue together, since that time the track has gone cold for Baleba.

“Now the name is out there again. Why? Because my understanding is that those close to the player have been in contact again with Man United to suggest the possibility to return for Baleba. So it’s from Baleba side that they are trying to understand if Man United can return for the boy or not after the Ederson deal off and after all the other developments from Baleba side, they want to understand if there is a chance to reopen conversations and negotiations with Man United.”

Baleba’s asking price is unclear this summer, but it will be North of £70million.

Baleba could be ‘one of the best’

There is big hope around the future of the ‘world-class’ Baleba, who has already proven himself more than competent at Premier League level despite still being only 22 years of age.

“I’m a big fan of Carlos Baleba at Brighton,” former Premier League midfielder Charlie Adam said last year. “The two lads, Baleba and Yasin Ayari, at Brighton have been very good. I watched them when Brighton won at Manchester United. I thought they were excellent. Are they the next ones from the conveyor belt to maybe move on? The Cameroonian is a very good player, 21 years of age. I think that he’s been something that’s different from what’s been in the Premier League.”

Former Brighton and current Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has said: “I believe in Carlos. He can become one of the best players in the Premier League in the future, for sure.”