Nigerian writer Sayo Aluko shared his candid reaction to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in a Facebook post published in the early hours of Monday, 21 July 2026, following Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina.
Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup crown after edging the defending champions in a fiercely contested final played on Sunday evening.
Argentina had arrived at the showpiece as one of the competition’s standout teams, but their display attracted heavy criticism from many observers, who felt the team relied more on physicality than football.
By the end of the 120 minute encounter, Argentina had failed to register a single shot on target. They also accumulated six yellow cards and two red cards, setting a new World Cup final record for disciplinary sanctions.
Argentina’s Conduct Draws Sharp Criticism
Reacting to the contest, Aluko condemned Argentina’s tactics, describing their display as outright “thuggery.”
According to him, the South American side appeared more interested in fouling opponents and making reckless challenges than attempting to play football.
He further argued that Argentina’s conduct surpassed even the infamous physical approach displayed by Paraguay against France in an earlier World Cup tournament.
His words on his Facebook post read: “For the first time ever as a football fan, I feel a depth of disappointment that robs me of words. This was a World Cup final, and Argentina had every right to turn up with a defensive approach, even if it was against expectations.
“But to switch that up and turn up with actual thuggery? So much so that all they chased throughout the game were legs, fouls, and fraudulence instead of the ball and the opponent’s net?
“So much so that, for the first time in a World Cup final, they became the first team to record 0 shots on target, yet somehow amassed 6 yellow cards and 2 red cards?
“his should deeply offend any serious football fan, even if you supported Argentina going into this match. Gosh! That was horrible… I mean, we thought Paraguayans against France were horrible, but these Argentines just made them look like saints.”
Aluko also turned his attention to England, expressing the view that head coach Thomas Tuchel’s overly cautious tactics in an earlier knockout fixture proved costly. He argued that the conservative approach paved the way for Argentina to progress to the final.
Spain’s Record Run and Star Performers
While he was highly critical of Argentina, Aluko was full of praise for Spain’s performances throughout the tournament.
He singled out midfielder Rodri as the team’s most influential player, applauding his defensive discipline, composure on the ball, leadership in midfield, and ability to control matches under pressure.
The writer also admitted he had been wrong about 19 year old defender Pau CubarsÃ, offering the youngster a personal apology after initially questioning his inclusion in Spain’s World Cup squad.
CubarsÃ’s composed displays from the start of the tournament to the final impressed Aluko, particularly as Spain conceded only one goal during the entire competition.
He said the defender’s performances reminded him of legendary Italian centre back Alessandro Nesta.
Aluko concluded by pointing to Spain’s remarkable unbeaten streak of 38 matches, now the longest run in men’s international football, as clear evidence of the success of Luis de la Fuente’s long term project. He noted that the core of the squad has developed together under the coach since their youth team days.
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