20/07/2026
While Spain beating Argentina in the World Cup final gave many of us plenty of satisfaction, there was so much about this World Cup over the past 39 days that left a bad taste.
From the debates around where the tournament was held, to the travel, visa issues, and the way some teams and supporters were represented, there seemed to be controversy at every turn. Even the halftime show, with its message of unity and diversity, felt contradictory to some when players, and fans from different countries struggled to attend because of visa restrictions or the sheer cost and distance of travelling. It was insincere as we know what the present administration really thinks. And let’s not forget the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
It made for a bittersweet ending. Spain’s victory was satisfying on the pitch, although Spain’s own colonial history is hardly something to celebrate. Still, I went to bed happy with the result because I’d have been gutted if Argentina had won.
What really summed it up for me, though, was Argentina’s behaviour after the final whistle. Instead of accepting defeat with grace, there were ugly scenes and unnecessary aggression towards Spanish players. Dirty tricks, constant fouls, gamesmanship, and trying to intimidate opponents can only take you so far. At some point, you have to let your football do the talking.
To me, it reflects a wider problem in sport, and perhaps in society. Too often, people think they can get away with bending the rules, using intimidation, or relying on underhand tactics because they believe they’ll face no consequences. It’s refreshing to see that, in the end, those tactics didn’t win the biggest prize.
Congratulations to Spain. The better football team won the World Cup. 🏆_
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