Argentina’s 2030 spot is confirmed
Argentina will automatically qualify for the World Cup 2030 despite calls for the nation to be banned from the next edition of the tournament. The 2022 winners failed to retain the World Cup trophy on Sunday at MetLife Stadium after losing 1-0 to Spain, thanks to an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres.
Just as had been the case throughout their dramatic semi-final victory over England, Lionel Scaloni’s side were the weaker team across the 90 minutes but used dark arts tactics to even the playing field. That was clear to see with their overly-aggressive tackling, off-the-ball confrontations and attempts to get Spain’s players sent off.
Having got away with various transgressions, Argentina themselves had midfielder Enzo Fernandez sent off for a second yellow card following a reckless challenge in stoppage time. The South American nation’s players then sparked a mass brawl after the final whistle blew, with several players landing blows on their Spanish counterparts in a shocking display of unsportsmanlike behaviour and lack of grace in defeat.
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The unsavoury scenes, of which there were plenty against England too, disgusted much of the football world. Sections of football fans online have even called upon FIFA to officially ban Argentina from the World Cup in four years’ time due to their string of recent controversies. However, Argentina have already booked their place at the next tournament without having to qualify, given they are one of an unprecedented six nations hosting at least one match in the 2030 edition, along with Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each host one match to honour the centenary of the World Cup. While the rest of the tournament will continue elsewhere, they don't have to go through the arduous qualification process in a special exception to the usual procedure. The 1930 World Cup, the first edition of the tournament, was played in and won by Uruguay. They beat Argentina in the final, while Paraguay have been included as the home of CONMEBOL, the first and only football confederation at that time.
Argentina’s most ardent critics will be furious to learn the nation will still be involved, having taken to Reddit to call for their banning. One user posted:
"Their behaviour throughout this tournament should see Argentina banned from the 2030 World Cup. Maybe sitting a World Cup out will sort out their attitude."
Another wrote:
"They celebrated in English players‘ faces and then fought when they lost. Absolutely despicable… zero class."
A third chimed in with:
"They should 1000% get banned for such poor behaviour,"
while a fourth added:
"Exactly. Totally agree."
Another pointed out:
"Fully agreed. Show authority and ban foul behaviour. Political statements, violence and constant reckless play should be enough to earn them a disciplinary action."
With regards to Argentina and bans, midfielders Fernandez and Leandro Paredes will miss at least the next two international fixtures after being sent off. As Spain’s players ran onto the pitch to celebrate at the final whistle, Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch towards Spain captain Rodri's stomach too.
Paredes, who had already been yellow carded during the game and was lucky to escape a second booking, then seemed to punch Spain defender Eric Garcia in the throat before Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni ran over to separate the players.
Seconds later, Paredes turned his attention towards Gavi, throwing the Spain midfielder to the floor before shoving him in the face while grabbing his substitute's bib. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala also appeared to hit Dani Olmo in the throat.
After the victory over England in the penultimate round, Argentina’s players held up a controversial banner thrown onto the pitch by their supporters, which claimed the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina.
Despite FIFA making it very clear that political statements had no place at the World Cup prior to the tournament, the Argentine players escaped punishment for that misconduct.
