FIFA on Friday imposed a series of major disciplinary sanctions on Argentina following several incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup , in which the Lionel Messi-led side reached the final, only to lose out against Spain. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee on Friday banned Paredes for 10 matches and fined him USD 90,000 for his involvement in the post-match confrontation following Argentina’s World Cup final against Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received the most severe punishment.
The sanctions follow FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings into events surrounding the final, which Spain won 1-0 after extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match ban, while Thiago Almada and team official Roberto Ayala received shorter suspensions. Spain midfielder Gavi was also punished for his role in the incident.
The disciplinary action stems from incidents that occurred after the final whistle, when tensions boiled over between members of the Argentina and Spain camps. The governing body found the AFA responsible for breaches involving the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, and order and security at matches. However, FIFA clarified that the implementation of one of those two match sanctions has been suspended for a probationary period.
The disciplinary action has also extended to the Argentinian Football Association (AFA), which FIFA has fined a total of USD 321,000. The AFA has additionally been ordered to play its next two home matches with attendance restricted to 50 per cent of stadium capacity. Roberto Ayala (team official): a three-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000.
The suspensions will carry over to their respective national teams’ next matches, according to FIFA. FIFA said the discrimination-related breach stemmed from discriminatory chants and gestures by Argentina supporters during the tournament.
FIFA had previously opened proceedings over allegations including assault and unsporting behaviour before announcing the final sanctions.
