Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has joined the growing list of football figures to criticise Argentina’s conduct at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the Albiceleste’s actions after their final defeat to Spain as a “bad advertisement for football.”
Oliseh’s comments come just a day after Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan reignited his own feud with Argentina, claiming Spain had to overcome questionable officiating to defeat the defending champions and declaring that “football won” with La Roja’s triumph.
Spain were crowned world champions after edging Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, but their celebrations were overshadowed by ugly scenes after the final whistle as players and members of both coaching staffs became involved in a heated confrontation.
Television footage showed Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina clashing with Spain’s Eric García and Rodri, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala also appeared to strike Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo during the melee.
Reacting on the Sunday Oliseh Global Football Insights show, the former Nigeria international said he was delighted Spain emerged champions because they played the game the right way.
“Thank God that Spain won the World Cup on Sunday,” Oliseh said.
“I’m telling you, for the interest of football, it was important because the team came out playing positive football, winning the World Cup because the negative football that Argentina put out is a bad advertisement for football.”
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The former Juventus midfielder also condemned Argentina’s behaviour after the final whistle, insisting such scenes have no place after football’s biggest match.
“When I saw Argentina players fighting after the game when the game was over, you don’t fight your opponent after the World Cup final.”
“I just think it is great that Spain won.”
Oliseh’s criticism echoes sentiments expressed by Egypt boss Hossam Hassan, who has repeatedly accused Argentina of benefiting from favourable officiating during the tournament.
After Egypt’s controversial Round of 16 defeat, Hassan claimed the Pharaohs had been denied key decisions against Lionel Scaloni’s side and even vowed never to watch another match at the World Cup because “there is no justice in it.”
Following Spain’s victory in the final, the Egyptian coach renewed those allegations, insisting officials “tried their best to rob Spain” by disallowing a Nico Williams goal before concluding that “football won today” because the better team lifted the trophy.
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The comments from both former African internationals have added to the debate surrounding Argentina’s conduct at the tournament, with the post final brawl further fuelling criticism after Spain ended the South Americans’ reign as world champions.
