‘Ridiculous’ – Ian Wright makes World Cup final complaint as Spain beat Argentina
Ian Wright slammed the ‘ridiculous’ condition of the World Cup final pitch as Spain beat Argentina at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
European champions Spain dominated Sunday’s final but were unable to find a winner in normal time against an Argentina side who did not have a single shot.
Spain’s chances of lifting the World Cup for a second time were boosted in injury-time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card.
Argentina kept Spain at bay in the first-half of extra-time but Ferran Torres then broke their resistance in the 106th minute.
Exclusive World Cup final buildup
Make sense of the drama with Metro’s free daily newsletter. Sign up now.
Down to ten men, Argentina were unable to respond as they fell at the final hurdle in their bid to win back-to-back World Cups.
Ask Metro
Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.
The condition of the pitch was a big talking point on social media and Arsenal legend Wright blamed it for the underwhelming start to the match.
‘I’ve got to say for a World Cup final, this pitch is ridiculous,’ Wright said on ITV. ‘They shouldn’t be on it.
‘I hope they water it at half-time because it just looks bobbly and not easy to play on. It just looks like a terrible pitch for a World Cup final.’
Speaking after Spain’s second World Cup win, ex-England striker Chris Sutton said: ‘Let’s get it right, the best team won.
More Trending
- Argentina complain to FIFA and claim Spain have unfair World Cup final advantage
- FIFA makes U-turn over World Cup final half-time show after Spain and Argentina concerns
- Arsenal in talks to sign £102m Liverpool target after Morgan Rogers agrees Chelsea move
‘The best team of the tournament won. The slickest, the silkiest, the stingiest, Spain. Absolutely phenomenal and they thoroughly deserve it.’
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson added: ‘I think from Spain’s point of view, to win a World Cup by only conceding one goal, it tells you a lot about the team and its quality.
‘It’s a team that’s going to grow and they’re a team that are experienced at winning tournaments. They were by far and away the better side today.’
More to follow…
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Arrow
MORE: FIFA breaks promise to Spain and Argentina over World Cup half-time show
Arrow
MORE: Spain star wants to ‘forget’ Donald Trump handshake in World Cup final
Arrow
MORE: Arsenal eye move for World Cup star on free transfer after William Saliba injury
In The Mixer’s World Cup special
Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.
Article source: https://metro.co.uk/2026/07/19/ridiculous-ian-wright-makes-world-cup-final-complaint-spain-beat-argentina-29177259/