Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has admitted Spain deserved to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after La Roja defeated the defending champions 1-0 after extra time in Sunday’s final.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal to hand Spain their second World Cup title and end Argentina’s reign as world champions.
Speaking after the match, Scaloni acknowledged that Spain had been the better team while expressing pride in his players for reaching a second consecutive World Cup final.
“They were the better side — that’s the truth — but I’ll cherish the memory of them, of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far,” he said.
Scaloni urged Argentina to accept defeat with dignity, insisting the team had given everything throughout the tournament.
“We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose,” he said.
The Argentine coach also thanked supporters for their unwavering backing and praised his players for their commitment despite falling short in the final.
He said finishing runners-up should still be viewed as a major achievement, given the difficulty of reaching consecutive World Cup finals.
Spain’s victory secured the country’s first World Cup title since 2010 and capped an outstanding tournament under coach Luis de la Fuente.
