Argentina Players Slapped With Severe Suspensions Following Explosive World Cup Final Brawl

FIFA has announced its ruling to ban four players following their participation in a post-game altercation at the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup final.

The marquee match at MetLife Stadium was a heated contest between Spain and Argentina, with Spain ultimately claiming a 1–0 victory thanks to a crucial goal from Ferran Torres during extra time.

Argentina players had repeatedly crossed the line throughout the match, including Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, who received a red card in stoppage time at the end of the second half. Yet their behavior after the final whistle was entirely unacceptable.

Nahuel Molina sparked an on-pitch confrontation moments after the game ended, barging into Rodri as the Spaniard sprinted across the field to join his celebrating teammates. The situation rapidly deteriorated, with Argentina's Leandro Paredes seizing Eric García by the throat before hurling Gavi to the ground.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee had been reviewing the incident and has now delivered a series of substantial penalties.

Paredes Issued 10-Match Suspension, Molina Banned for Seven Games

On Friday, Aug. 21, FIFA handed Paredes a 10-game ban for his role in the ugly incident, while his fellow Argentine Molina received a seven-match suspension. Both players were additionally fined $90,000.

Teammate Thiago Almada has been handed a one-match ban, as has Barcelona midfielder Gavi. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala has been suspended for three matches and, along with Almada and Gavi, faces a fine of $30,000.

The Argentina Football Association was separately fined $321,000 by FIFA. The governing body cited "breaches of articles 13 paragraph 2 c) (Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature), 14 paragraph 5 (Team misconduct), 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) in light of discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters, and 17 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC)."

Part of the fine relates to Argentina players bringing a political banner referencing the Falklands War onto the pitch following their World Cup semifinal win over England.

The banner displayed the message "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," which translates to "The Falklands are Argentine."

Argentina Bite Back With Controversial Video

#SelecciónMayor Un mes para tener claro que nunca vamos a dejar de intentarlo. pic.twitter.com/pRRebnqO7s

The day prior to FIFA's official announcement of its sanctions, Argentina's FA added fuel to the fire by posting a video on X alleging that an "anti-Argentina campaign" had been orchestrated throughout the World Cup.

A montage of tournament footage is accompanied by stirring music, with a narrator declaring: "A month ago something happened. What many people didn't want to happen, happened: Argentina played in another final.

"What happened was that we came back in every match along the way, that we made history by knocking England out in a semifinal.

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"This group arrived with the goal of giving the Argentine people another final, and no matter how much of an anti-Argentina campaign there was, we got there anyway.

"When someone tells you something happened, tell them yes. What happened was that there was a team that gave everything to win, fought until the end and walked away with its head held high.

"Our captain's tears taught us once again that you can win, but what you can never do, no matter what happens, is stop trying."