Argentina are no longer top of the world rankings after losing to Spain on Sunday. Lionel Scaloni's side are still reeling from their 1-0 defeat in the World Cup final.
World Cup final defeat
The former world champions were undone by Ferran Torres' 106th-minute strike in extra time. Argentina attempted to frustrate Spain with their physical approach but did not have a shot until the 117th minute and failed to level the scoring, despite creating chances in the last few moments.
In the aftermath, the game was overshadowed by disgraceful post-match scenes, which included Leandro Paredes pushing Eric Garcia's throat and wrestling Gavi to the floor. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina also appeared to hit Spanish star Rodri, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala looked to have struck Dani Olmo.
FIFA investigation
FIFA has since launched an investigation and appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine the post-match incidents. A statement from FIFA read: “Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents.
“Further details will be communicated by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.” While the country await the outcome, Scaloni's team have been dealt a fresh blow after being knocked off top spot in FIFA's world rankings.
Updated rankings
Following the World Cup, Spain's new status as champions is reflected in the updated rankings. Luis de la Fuente's side sit top on 1995.88 points, earning 30.27 ranking points for their World Cup final win and moving ahead of Argentina on 1970.37.
France, England and Brazil make up the top five. The rest of the top 10 is comprised of Morocco, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico. Wales sit in 38th place.
The last game of the World Cup saw 2022 winners Argentina lose to reigning European champions Spain. The defeat for Scaloni's team sealed their fate to lose top spot and the World Cup trophy. Meanwhile, Spain became two-time champions and set a new all-time world record of 38 international games unbeaten.
Separate FIFA investigation
It has been an eventful week for Argentina, who are the subject of a separate FIFA investigation for their semi-final celebrations against England. Several Argentine players celebrated with a banner that read: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas (The Falkland Islands are Argentine)."
The Falklands are a British overseas territory and were the subject of a 74-day conflict between the UK and Argentina in 1982. The banner appeared to breach tournament regulations, which prohibit the display of political messages or slogans before, during or after matches.
Argentina subsequently produced several other controversial moments after the World Cup final had ended. However, Argentina boss Scaloni opted not to address the brawling scenes after the match.
“We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat,” Scaloni said. “Today, we are showing that we know how to lose. We lost the match and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”
On Spain's performance, he added: “They were the better side - that’s the truth - but I’ll cherish the memory of them (his team), of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far. We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort.”
