Joan Laporta sparks World Cup final controversy with referee remark before Spain vs Argentina

Spain and Argentina will play in the final on July 20.

After a gruelling campaign, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is nearing a grand conclusion. In undoubtedly the most anticipated fixture of the year, the Spain national football team will face Argentina in the World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, USA.

Spain, led by manager Luis de la Fuente, will target their second World Cup title to re-establish themselves as a global heavyweight. Despite a slow start, they finished as table toppers, unbeaten. They then played Austria in the Round of 32, securing a 3-0 win.

In the Round of 16, Spain defeated their arch-rivals Portugal, managing a 1-0 victory. They defeated Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals, before overcoming favourites France 2-0 in the semi-finals to confirm their spot in the final for the first time since their title victory in 2010.

Argentina, the defending world champions, led by captain Lionel Messi, entered the tournament with the target of their second consecutive title, becoming only the third nation to achieve the feat.

The Albiceleste had a dominant campaign, finishing as group leaders with a perfect record. In the knockout rounds, they defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time. Argentina then defeated Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 and Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

They then scripted an incredible comeback, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over England in the semi-finals to confirm their second consecutive final appearance, last managing during the 1986 and 1990 editions.

Spain and Argentina have a competitive history, meeting 14 times, with both nations winning six games each. This monumental meeting will mark only their second meeting at the World Cup, last facing off during the 1966 group stages, with Argentina securing a 2-1 win.

Joan Laporta’s remarks on referee ahead of final

Joan Laporta expressed complete confidence in the national team ahead of the final clash. While he remains entirely convinced of Spain’s superiority in the tournament, the FC Barcelona president was quick to highlight the decisive impact of the match officials.

“We have the better team, and if the referee is one who imposes himself.. the Spanish national team will have more chances of winning the match, but the referee has to impose himself.”

He highlighted that the referee’s efficiency in maintaining the game will play an instrumental role on the pitch. In his view, if the referee allows constant tactical fouls, rough challenges, or continuous disruptions, it will affect Spain’s ability to make attacking movements.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will be the main referee for the historic final who will be officiating his sixth game in the tournament. He will be assisted by his countrymen Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič.

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