UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin refused to attend the World Cup final due to ongoing disputes with FIFA over disciplinary procedures, refereeing logistics, and match operations.A key issue was FIFA's decision to suspend an automatic one-match ban for U.S.forward Folarin Balogun after a red card incident in Zenica.The European football body condemned FIFA's actions, calling it a 'red line' crossed.Additionally, Ceferin's absence was linked to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan's inability to enter the U.S., leading to his appointment for the UEFA Super Cup.

Concerns also arose regarding geopolitical management of Iran's matches and operational changes like mandatory hydration breaks and extended halftime in the final.Spain won the tournament 1-0 against Argentina in extra time.The disagreements highlight deepening tensions between UEFA and FIFA over governance and enforcement standards in international football.