Spain have raised concerns over the standard of refereeing ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina, with defender Aymeric Laporte urging officials to clamp down on what he described as repeated incidents that have gone unpunished during the tournament.
Speaking to Spanish sports daily Marca on July 17, Laporte said Spain had noticed “strange things” in Argentina’s recent matches and stressed that referees must take greater control of proceedings in Sunday’s title clash. His comments come as Spain prepare to face Lionel Scaloni’s side in the biggest match of the tournament.
“In the last few matches we’ve seen things that have really surprised us, incidents that have been ignored,” Laporte said. “Especially with Argentina, who are a team that leave a lot of little messages with their challenges.”
“That shouldn’t be allowed in competitions like this, because it can throw you off your game and make you lose your temper. It’s part of the referee’s job to keep these situations under control so that he doesn’t get walked all over.”
The Spain centre-back also said his side had adopted a disciplined approach throughout the World Cup and hoped the final would be officiated consistently.
“From the start of the tournament, we’ve been a pretty fair team in that respect. We’re not the kind of team that goes around kicking opponents or committing reckless fouls,” Laporte added.
“And I think that’s how we need to approach this match as well. But it’s true that a lot will depend on the refereeing.”
Laporte’s remarks came shortly after Barcelona president Joan Laporta voiced similar concerns following Argentina’s semi-final victory over England.
“Spain will win (the final). If the referee asserts his authority, Spain will have a better chance to win. But the referee must assert his authority,” Laporta said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić.
