Jakarta, ThedailyID — Argentina Football Association (AFA) President Claudio Tapia said the country’s football community is heartbroken after Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain but acknowledged that the European side deserved the title.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final at New Jersey Stadium, ending Argentina’s hopes of winning back-to-back World Cup championships.
The defeat sparked controversy among some Argentine supporters, who claimed referee Slavko Vinčić favored Spain during the match. An online petition calling for the final to be replayed has gathered more than 82,000 signatures.
Responding to the controversy, Tapia dismissed calls to replay the match and praised Spain’s performance.
“We were not able to overcome Spain,” Tapia said, as quoted by Wales Online.
“They were the better team, they deserved to win, and we have to be brave enough to admit that. In sport, we must learn to accept defeat with the same pride that we celebrate victory.”
Despite the disappointment, Tapia praised Lionel Messi and the Argentina squad for reaching another World Cup final.
“Yes, we lost the final, but this generation has brought immense joy to our country. Argentina celebrated this team because it once again proved its enormous value to our people,” he said.
Tapia admitted finishing second would never satisfy Argentina’s ambitions but said the team remained among the world’s elite.
“We are heartbroken because we have a competitive mentality, because we are the most successful national team in history, and because second place will never satisfy our ambitions. But we remain one of the two best teams in the world.”
