Beyond surrendering their title, La Albiceleste have suffered several brutal hits, including the loss of their iconic gold World Cup badge that has adorned their kits since their historic 2022 victory over France. Following their penalty shootout win four years ago, Argentina’s kits have had the words “FIFA World Champions 2022” embroidered on their kit. However, the honour will now be removed.
Spain are now poised to enjoy those same privileges of being world champions for the next four years. Argentina’ defeat to Luis de la Fuente’s team also saw the South American nation officially drop from the summit of the world rankings, as FIFA confirmed they’ve been supplanted by their victorious opponents. The reigning European and world champions now sit on 1,995.88 points after collecting 30.27 ranking points for claiming the World Cup. Argentina have slipped to second on 1,970.37.
The Copa America holders’ next chance to add a fourth World Cup star to their shirt will arrive in 2030. The tournament will be predominantly co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Special commemorative opening matches are scheduled to take place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to mark the centenary of the summer competition.
Argentina’s setbacks encapsulate what has been a tumultuous week following their final loss. A considerable number of Argentinian supporters were left furious with the officiating of referee Slavko Vinčić, prompting a petition calling for the match to be replayed.
That has now surpassed 80,000 signatures. This comes despite Argentina’s own poor conduct, which escalated dramatically in the immediate aftermath of the final whistle. A post-match altercation saw Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes hurl Gavi to the turf after the Spain star rushed onto the pitch to celebrate his country’s triumph, while he also grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat.
This followed Rodri being struck in the abdomen by Nahuel Molina, and Dani Olmo being hit by Argentina coach Roberto Ayala. FIFA will undoubtedly be hoping history does not repeat itself when the two nations meet once more in the Finalissima 2026. They were originally scheduled to play earlier this year as winners of Euro 2024 and the Copa America 2025.
Yet the fixture was abandoned due to the Iran conflict, though in welcome news for the neutral observer, La Nacion and ESPN Argentina have reported FIFA is planning to arrange a rematch before the close of the year.
After last Sunday’s outcome, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni gave an emotional tribute to his squad. He said: “I feel sadness but knowing that we left everything out there. I have a lot of things to say about how we got here, but it’s not worth it.
“I want to thank these guys eternally for giving us another World Cup final and for competing until the end. They were better, that’s the truth. But I’ll hold on to an enormous memory of what they have done, of what it’s worth to get this far. We have to give it huge validity because it takes a lot to get here.”