‘You have to know how to lose’: Spain's Fabian Ruiz criticises Argentina over World Cup final brawl

Spain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has criticised the scenes that followed the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina, insisting footballers must set a better example for children who follow the sport closely.

Spain won the final 1-0, though the result was overshadowed by confrontations between players from both sides immediately after the final whistle. Ruiz, who became a world champion that day, said the incident did nothing to reflect the values football should represent.

"This is a scene everyone saw and no one likes to see. There are young children following football, and we must not present this to them as an example," the Paris Saint Germain midfielder told The Athletic.

Ruiz went further, appearing to suggest Argentina's players had reacted poorly in defeat rather than accepting the outcome with grace.

"You have to know how to win and know how to lose. No one likes losing, but that was an unfortunate moment in a World Cup final," he said.

The midfielder stressed that players carry a wider responsibility given the scale of the audience watching the sport's biggest occasion.

"We always try to set a good example because everyone watches football, from the youngest to the oldest. It was a moment no one enjoyed, but I hope it is forgotten, and that what remains in the memory is our unforgettable celebration," he said.

Several Argentina players were at the centre of the post match disorder, with Leandro Paredes identified as one of the most prominent figures involved, alongside Nahuel Molina.

Roberto Ayala, a member of Argentina's coaching staff, also became embroiled in the clashes, involved in an incident with Spain forward Dani Olmo.

FIFA subsequently handed down significant sanctions to those involved. Paredes received a 10 match ban, Molina was suspended for seven matches, and Ayala was banned for three matches over his role in the confrontation and the incident involving Olmo.