FIFA has imposed sweeping disciplinary sanctions on Argentina following the ugly scenes that marred the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has received the heaviest punishment, with a 10-match international suspension, while teammate Nahuel Molina has been banned for seven matches.
The sanctions follow a FIFA investigation into confrontations involving Argentina players and members of the coaching staff after Spain secured a 1-0 victory at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Paredes was found to have played a leading role in the altercations, including grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground before appearing to strike the Barcelona midfielder in the face.
Molina, meanwhile, was sanctioned for his involvement in the post-match disorder, with reports indicating that he appeared to strike Spain captain Rodri as the Spanish players celebrated their victory.
Both Paredes and Molina have also been fined $90,000 (£66,000).
FIFA’s disciplinary committee also handed Argentina’s Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi one-match suspensions and $30,000 (£22,000) fines for their respective roles in the confrontations.
Argentina coach Roberto Ayala was given a three-match suspension and fined $30,000 after being found to have struck Spain midfielder Dani Olmo in the face.
The disciplinary action extends beyond the final-day incidents. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for several breaches, including team misconduct, discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, and the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations.
FIFA has directed that $100,000 of the fine be invested in an anti-discrimination programme, while another $100,000 has been suspended subject to a probationary period.
Argentina have also been ordered to play their next two home internationals at 50% stadium capacity, although one of those matches is currently suspended.
The governing body had separately investigated Argentina’s display of a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” after their semi-final victory over England, referring to the Falkland Islands, which are a British overseas territory.
The latest sanctions underline FIFA’s determination to punish conduct that it believes brought controversy to the tournament’s showpiece event.
The AFA has rejected the severity of the punishments and confirmed that it will appeal the decisions. Should that appeal fail, the association says it will take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The suspensions will apply only to international fixtures, meaning the affected players will not serve the bans in domestic club competitions.
