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Sports July 18, 2026

Argentina Coach Scaloni Files Formal Complaint with FIFA Over Spain

Argentina Coach Scaloni Files Formal Complaint with FIFA Over Spain

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed concerns about the scheduling of the World Cup final against Spain, citing potential unfair disadvantages for his team.

The defending champions have taken a major step towards defending their title with a comeback win against England, while Spain secured their spot in the final with a 2-0 victory over France.

Scaloni was unhappy with FIFA's decision to schedule a training session for his team in sweltering temperatures just hours after their arrival in New York.

Argentina manager, Lionel Scaloni during a press conference at the Javits Centre, New York. Argentina will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday. Picture date: Friday July 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

'We're just now resting because we arrived last night around 11.00,' he said. 'Today they forced us to train at a time we didn't want.'

The coach added that his team was focused on rest and evaluation of their players' condition, as some were not at 100%.

Scaloni emphasized the importance of the fans' support, saying that it drives the team to bring home the trophy.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 17: Lionel Messi speaks onstage during the FIFA World Cup 2026 press conference at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 at Jacob Javits Center on July 17, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Fanatics)

'You see your people, how they celebrate, how they are happy, that gets you, it's impossible for it not to touch your heart,' he said.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez echoed Scaloni's sentiments, praising the fans' enthusiasm and dedication.

'The fans are absolutely crazy, different to other countries, seeing them celebrate at 2am in the cold Argentine weather means a lot,' he said.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dave Shopland/Shutterstock (16992516fi) Argentina'Fans England v Argentina, 2026 FIFA World Cup, Semi Final, Football, Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA - 15 Jul 2026

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