Ed Balls and the Good Morning Britain panel delivered a scathing verdict on Argentina's behaviour during the 2026 World Cup final, calling the team 'a total bunch of thugs' after brawls broke out following Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory.
GMB Hosts React to World Cup Final Violence
On the July 20 episode, hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid, alongside guests Kevin Maguire and Kwasi Kwarteng, reflected on the final. Balls opened: 'We're waking up to the news that after one of the best World Cup tournaments, we had one of the nastiest World Cup finals ever. But Argentina lost and Spain are the champions.'
Maguire added: 'Argentina were so dirty. When I watched it, I was just willing it to end in normal time. The better team won. I don't know how you tackle a team like Argentina, unless referees just get tough, because the ref let so much go and it made them worse!'
Fights Erupt After Final Whistle
Kwarteng noted one player had been sent off, with Balls retorting: 'They could have sent off seven by that point!' Kwarteng said the referee 'did take action and it meant that Argentina did play with ten men.' A clip of post-match fights played on screen, with Susanna remarking: 'Absolutely appalling behaviour. Of course, England experienced some pretty dirty behaviour as well.'
Balls bluntly stated: 'They're a total bunch of thugs! The Argentina football team were shocking!' Susanna added: 'I think a lot of people wanted Spain to win last night.'
Panel Calls for Tougher Officiating
Maguire elaborated: 'Argentina are kind of a fantastic team. They play together and they're tough to break down, but the dirty side – the little niggles, the pushing, the studs up – you've got to tackle that, because it's ruining the game.' The segment ended with Susanna congratulating Spain before discussing criticism of the half-time show, which featured performances by Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Chris Martin. Two pre-match closing ceremonies included Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Post Malone.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
