Mariano Closs referred to the conspiracy theories of the 2026 World Cup final: I hung up the phone for 10 days

Mariano Closs, a well-known sports commentator in Argentina, addressed conspiracy theories surrounding the 2026 World Cup final, in which Spain defeated Argentina 1–0. In a recent interview, he revealed that he had shut down his phone for ten days after the match due to the spread of these unfounded claims. The controversy arose following the final, which took place on July 19, 2026, and was widely covered by media outlets around the world. According to reports from La Nación, Closs recounted how calls from various media outlets began shortly after the game ended. These calls were centered around allegations that the outcome was influenced by external forces, including political pressures, covert operations, and even involvement from agencies such as the FBI. Closs described the situation with humor, recalling how he initially responded to these inquiries with confusion. He stated, “I said, ‘What are they talking about?’” and decided to take a break from public communication by turning off his mobile device for a full ten days. The decision to disconnect came amid growing speculation that the result might have been manipulated. Some of the rumors suggested that the Argentine team had been ordered to lose by FIFA officials due to political reasons, while others claimed that players were subjected to pressure during the match. Additionally, certain gestures and plays were interpreted as coded messages within a larger conspiracy. Closs referred to these theories as “conspiracies,” emphasizing their lack of credible evidence. In response to the controversy, Closs turned to the statements made by one of Argentina’s players, Facundo Medina. He explained that he eventually reopened his phone and relied on Medina’s account of the match. Medina had previously shared that his mother had made suggestive remarks about the game, prompting him to react strongly. According to Medina, he told her, “Come on, are you going to get into this too? Just stop messing around! Stop being so dramatic! We had to lose, and we have to accept it.” Closs found comfort in Medina’s straightforward explanation, which aligned with his own perspective that Argentina played poorly in the final. During a discussion on his show F12, which airs on ESPN, Closs invited other panelists to contribute their views. One of them pointed out that the lack of clear communication from authorities had led to widespread speculation. They noted that even family members of players had expressed opinions, further fueling the narrative. Closs acknowledged this point, suggesting that the issue stemmed from poor transparency rather than any actual wrongdoing. The conspiracy theories gained traction primarily through social media platforms, where posts circulated claiming that the match had been predetermined. However, these claims lacked substantial proof and quickly faded as they failed to gain broader support. The discussions remained confined to online spaces and became part of the broader cultural conversation around the tournament. As the debate continued, Closs used his platform to challenge the validity of the conspiracy theories. He asked the panelists whether they thought the rest of the matches had been poorly executed, to which one replied, “Very badly.” Closs concluded with a lighthearted remark, saying, “So, if they bring up the topic again, I’ll close my phone once more.” The incident highlights the ongoing tension between public perception and factual reporting in high-profile sporting events. While the conspiracy theories did not hold up under scrutiny, they underscored the power of misinformation in shaping narratives, particularly in the digital age. As the World Cup continues to generate global interest, the role of responsible journalism in distinguishing fact from fiction becomes increasingly vital.