Fabian Ruiz says players must ‘know how to lose’ after Spain-Argentina World Cup final clashes

Spain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has criticised the scenes that followed the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina, saying footballers must set a better example for children.

Spain won the final 1-0, but players from both teams were involved in confrontations after the final whistle. Ruiz, who became a world champion with Spain, said the incident did not reflect the image football should present.

“This is a scene everyone saw, and nobody likes seeing it,” the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder told The Athletic. “There are young children watching football, and we must not present this to them as an example.”

Ruiz added: “You have to know how to win and you have to know how to lose. Nobody likes losing, but that was an unfortunate moment in a World Cup final.”

His comments appeared to suggest that Argentina’s players had sparked the confrontations in reaction to their defeat.

“We always try to set a good example because everyone watches football, from the youngest to the oldest,” Ruiz said. “It was a moment nobody enjoyed, but I hope it is forgotten and that people remember our unforgettable celebrations.”

Several Argentina players were involved in the post-match disorder, with Leandro Paredes identified as one of the main participants. Nahuel Molina was also involved, while Roberto Ayala, a member of Argentina’s coaching staff, took part in the violence against Spain’s players.

Ayala was involved in an incident with Spain forward Dani Olmo.

Fifa subsequently imposed suspensions on a number of those involved. Paredes was banned for 10 matches, while Molina received a seven-match suspension. Ayala was suspended for three matches for his involvement in the clashes and his assault on Olmo.

The final had remained in the spotlight because of the scenes after Spain’s victory, with Ruiz describing them as particularly inappropriate given the global audience for the World Cup and the number of children who follow the game.