Spain are world champions once again after a dominant FIFA World Cup campaign, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. But beyond the result, the tournament has sparked fierce debate over contrasting footballing philosophies, refereeing decisions and the narratives that shaped the competition.
FIFA final: Spain’s absolute domination over Argentina explained
In this episode of In Focus, we unpack Spain’s rise under Luis de la Fuente, how their possession-based game has evolved since 2010, and why they emerged as the tournament’s standout team. We also examine Argentina’s gritty run to the final, the criticism of its physical approach, and whether allegations of favourable refereeing and FIFA bias stand up to scrutiny.
Guest: Sandeep Menon, journalist and author
Host: Reuben Joe Joseph
Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian
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Published – July 22, 2026 04:25 pm IST
