When Argentina's Enzo Fernandez launched a forceful challenge from behind on England's Elliot Anderson just three minutes into the World Cup semi-final, it set the tone for a match that would be defined by physicality and controversy. The challenge struck the back of Anderson's neck, yet Fernandez was not even cautioned. Spain defender Aymeric Laporte, who will face Argentina in the final, later said the reigning world champions "like to leave a mark on their opponents" and that "that sort of thing shouldn't be allowed in football".
Argentina's physical approach is under the spotlight before Sunday's World Cup final against European champions Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium (20:00 BST). In their semi-final against England, Argentina committed 15 fouls and scored two late goals to win 2-1. England fans were also convinced that Lionel Messi's winning goal should have been ruled out for a foul on Djed Spence. Laporte, a former Manchester City defender now playing for Spain, told Spanish sports newspaper Marca that such tactics can "unsettle you and make you angry". He added: "If one or two players are allowed to act that way, the match descends into chaos."
“Explaining the controversy around Argentina's physical tactics in the 2026 World Cup.”
This style is not new. In the last 16 on 7 July, Egypt led Argentina 2-0 before Argentina scored three late goals, with the winner coming in the 92nd minute. After the match, Egypt alleged bias in favour of Argentina and favouritism towards Messi. Argentina's grit and "dark arts", as described by the Mirror, were also on display when substitute Valentin Barco invaded the pitch and screamed into Jude Bellingham's face after Fernandez had equalised in the semi-final. Laporte, 32, said he is not worried about aggression within the rules, but that recent matches have seen "actions that were allowed to go unpunished" especially against Argentina.
For UK readers, the final is a chance to see whether Argentina's physical tactics will be allowed to continue - and how the referee keeps control. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, looking to win Spain's first world title since 2010, was diplomatic when asked about Argentina's tactics, saying he has "the utmost admiration" for the champions. Manchester City midfielder Rodri added: "I like to think they are a team that gives their utmost and they don't go down that road. But if we enter such a sta..." The match will also be a test of whether discipline and clean play can prevail over aggression.
Q: What is Argentina's playing style like? Argentina often adopts a physical, aggressive approach, using forceful challenges and dark arts to unsettle opponents, as seen in their semi-final against England where they committed 15 fouls. Early challenges set the tone, and they are not afraid to use the margins of the rules.
Q: Has Argentina faced criticism before? Yes, Egypt alleged bias in their favour after a last-16 match, and Spain's Aymeric Laporte has publicly criticised their tactics, saying they leave marks on opponents. The Mirror also noted a lack of humility, exemplified by Barco's confrontation with Bellingham.
Q: How could this affect the final? Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said he respects Argentina but expects a fair game. The referee's handling of physical play will be crucial to preventing chaos. Laporte believes that if the referee does his job, aggression within the rules is acceptable, but recent matches have seen questionable actions go unpunished.
What happens next: The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina takes place on Sunday at 20:00 BST at New York New Jersey Stadium. Spain will aim to counter Argentina's physicality with disciplined play. Laporte's comments have added an extra layer of intrigue to a match that already pits the European champions against the reigning world champions.