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Spanish FA chief urges calm before Argentina final

Rafael Louzán played down booing of Luis de la Fuente and said Spain want respect, not controversy, at MetLife Stadium.

Filed Saturday, 18 July 2026

Spanish FA chief urges calm before Argentina final

Rafael Louzán has dismissed the boos aimed at Luis de la Fuente by some Argentina fans before the World Cup final and insisted Spain are not looking for a row.

The Spanish FA president, speaking after Spain cancelled a training session ahead of the meeting with Argentina, said he expected a respectful atmosphere at MetLife Stadium. "We do not want controversy," he said, adding that his message was for both teams.

Louzán said there was no concern inside the camp and described de la Fuente as "a real gentleman". He also said Spain’s model as a federation was based on humility and a natural way of working.

He backed his side to win the title, saying they had earned the chance and were united after more than 40 days together. Louzán also noted that this is the first World Cup final in 96 years to feature two Spanish-speaking teams, with the last such final dating back to Uruguay v Argentina in 1930.

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