La Albiceleste suffered some harsh blows, including not only ceding the title but also losing the iconic golden World Cup badge that has adorned their kits since their historic victory over France in 2022. The words “FIFA World Champions 2022” are embroidered on Argentina’s uniforms after their penalty shootout victory four years ago. However, from now on, that honor will be stripped away.
Spain is now poised to enjoy the same privileges as world champions for the next four years. Argentina’s loss to coach Luis de la Fuente’s side saw FIFA confirm that Argentina had been replaced by a victorious opponent, and the South American nation officially fell from the top of the world rankings. The reigning European and World Champions have earned 30.27 ranking points to qualify for the World Cup and currently have 1,995.88 points. Argentina fell to second place with 1,970.37.
The next chance for the Copa America holders to add a fourth World Cup star to their kit will come in 2030. The tournament will primarily be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Summer Games, special commemorative opening matches will be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
Argentina’s setback sums up a turbulent week following the final defeat. A significant number of Argentine supporters were furious with referee Slavko Vincic and a petition was submitted asking for the match to be replayed.
The number of signatures currently exceeds 80,000. This was done despite Argentina’s own misbehavior, which escalated dramatically shortly after the final whistle. In the post-match altercation, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes threw Gabi to the grass and grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat after the Spanish star rushed onto the pitch to celebrate his country’s victory.
Rodri was punched in the stomach by Nahuel Molina and Dani Olmo was punched by Argentina coach Roberto Ayala. FIFA will no doubt be hoping that history does not repeat itself when the two countries meet again at Finalissima 2026. The two countries were originally scheduled to meet earlier this year as winners of Euro 2024 and Copa America 2025.
However, the match was canceled due to the Iranian conflict, but in welcome news for neutral viewers, La Nacion and ESPN Argentina reported that FIFA is planning a rematch before the end of the year.
Following last Sunday’s result, Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni paid an emotional tribute to his team. “I feel sad, but I know we left everything behind. There is so much I want to say about how we got to this point, but it’s just not worth it.
“I want to be forever grateful to them for giving us another World Cup final and fighting until the end. They were better, that’s the truth. But I’m going to hold on to a huge memory of what they did and how much they deserved to get this far. It took a lot to get here, so we need to give it a lot of credit.”
