Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat has now brought a second setback, with FIFA handing lengthy suspensions to several players involved in the post-match confrontation with Spain.
On Friday, FIFA handed out lengthy suspensions to several players and an Argentina assistant coach following the confrontation that erupted after Spain’s 1-0 victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Leandro Paredes received the harshest punishment, a 10-match international ban, while teammate Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven games.
Thiago Almada received a two-match ban, Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches, and Spain midfielder Gavi was given a one-game suspension. The players and coach were also fined.
GettyFIFA have handed out bans following 2026 World Cup melee that occurred after the final whistle.
FIFA Punishments Follow World Cup Final Melee
The trouble started almost immediately after the final whistle on July 19. Spain had just secured its second World Cup title, while Argentina was left to deal with the disappointment of losing the final after attempting to defend its 2022 championship.
What followed was anything but a normal post-match handshake line.
FIFA had previously opened disciplinary proceedings against Paredes, Molina, Almada, Ayala and Gavi, citing assault and unsporting behavior charges. The governing body’s initial announcement detailed three assault charges against Paredes, two against Molina and one against Ayala. Almada and Gavi were investigated for unsporting behavior, as was Molina for one of his charges. FIFA’s original disciplinary announcement
The final sanctions came after the players and officials were given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The incident involved several confrontations as Spain celebrated. Paredes was involved in a clash with Eric Garcia and later with Gavi, while Molina was accused of assaulting Spain captain Rodri. Almada was also involved in the confrontation with Gavi, and Ayala was investigated over his actions during the melee.
Argentina Also Hit with Heavy Team Sanctions
The individual suspensions are only part of the punishment.
The Argentine Football Association was fined roughly $321,000, with about $100,000 of that money required to go toward an anti-discrimination program. Argentina must also play its next two home matches at 50% stadium capacity, although part of the punishment has been suspended during a probationary period.
Those sanctions aren’t solely connected to the final. FIFA’s case against the AFA also covers other incidents during the tournament, including discriminatory chants and gestures, match-protocol violations, security issues and an inappropriate political message displayed following Argentina’s semifinal victory over England.
For Argentina, the timing could be awkward. Paredes and Molina are established members of the national team, while the suspensions will carry into the international calendar. They will, however, remain available for their clubs because the bans apply to national-team matches.
The final itself had already been a frustrating night for Argentina. The team finished with 10 players after Enzo Fernández was sent off late in the match, before Spain held on for a historic victory.
For FIFA, the message is clear: the emotion of losing a World Cup final is understandable, but it cannot cross the line into behavior that brings the game into disrepute.
FIFA Hits Argentina Players with Lengthy Bans After World Cup Brawl