Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has called on match officials to strictly enforce the rules during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, saying referees must prevent Argentina’s physical style of play from affecting the contest.

Spain will take on defending champions Argentina in Sunday’s title clash after defeating France 2-0 in the semi-finals. Argentina secured their place in the final with a 2-1 comeback victory over England.

Ahead of the highly anticipated showdown, Laporte said he has no objection to aggressive football as long as it stays within the laws of the game and referees act consistently.

The Spanish defender noted that some recent matches involving Argentina featured several strong challenges that, in his opinion, should have been penalised. He stressed that allowing repeated heavy tackles could disrupt the flow of the match and create unnecessary tension between players.

Laporte said it is the referee’s responsibility to keep such situations under control. He believes that if officials ignore repeated physical challenges, the game can quickly become chaotic instead of focusing on football.

The former Manchester City defender also highlighted Spain’s disciplined approach throughout the tournament. According to him, the Spanish squad is committed to fair play and does not rely on reckless tackles or intimidation to gain an advantage.

He added that Spain intends to maintain its style in the final but believes effective refereeing will play an important role in ensuring the match is decided by football rather than unnecessary physical confrontations.

Laporte also revealed that Spain deliberately kept their celebrations modest after eliminating France because the squad believes their mission is only halfway complete.

He said the players celebrated inside the dressing room but avoided over-the-top festivities, as their primary objective is to lift the World Cup trophy rather than simply reach the final.

The defender added that despite not being considered among the biggest favourites before the tournament, the Spanish squad always believed in its ability to compete for the title. He admitted that anything short of winning the championship would now be disappointing.

Laporte also praised Argentina captain Lionel Messi, describing him as one of football’s greatest players and someone admired by generations of fans.

While acknowledging Messi’s legendary career, Laporte said he hopes the dream ending belongs to Spain instead of Argentina.

Spain are chasing their second FIFA World Cup title, while Argentina aim to successfully defend the championship they won four years ago.

Image Title: Aymeric Laporte Calls for Strict Refereeing Ahead of Spain vs Argentina World Cup Final

FAQs

1. What did Aymeric Laporte say before the World Cup final?
Laporte urged referees to strictly control Argentina’s physical style of play and ensure the match is decided by football.

2. Why did Laporte mention Argentina’s playing style?
He believes Argentina’s aggressive challenges should be monitored more closely to maintain fairness during the final.

3. Who will play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
Spain will face defending champions Argentina in the tournament final.

4. How did Spain reach the final?
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-finals to book their place in the title clash.

5. How did Argentina qualify for the final?
Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the semi-finals.

6. What did Laporte say about Lionel Messi?
He praised Messi as one of football’s greatest players but said he hopes Spain wins the final.

7. Why did Spain keep their celebrations low-key after the semi-final?
Laporte said the team believes reaching the final is only half the job, with winning the World Cup remaining the ultimate goal.

8. What are Spain and Argentina aiming for in the final?
Spain are chasing their second World Cup title, while Argentina are looking to defend their world championship successfully.