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The 2026 World Cup has concluded, but Argentina remains in the spotlight. FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine football federation and several individual members of La Albiceleste following a series of violations.
Argentina came agonizingly close to becoming the first country in 64 years to claim back-to-back World Cup titles. Ultimately, it was not meant to be, as Lionel Scaloni's squad suffered a 1–0 defeat to Spain in the final.
As the tournament fades into memory, a broad range of incidents and conduct that occurred throughout Argentina's World Cup run are now being scrutinized by football's governing body and may result in penalties.
FIFA's full investigation into Argentina covers "discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators and the throwing of objects by spectators in relation to several matches," per The Guardian.
Argentina Officially Under Investigation Over Falklands Banner
The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) is facing investigation over a banner several players displayed following their 2–1 semifinal victory against England, which read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine).
La Albiceleste players retrieved the banner from the stands and held it aloft, referencing a group of South Atlantic islands located east of Argentina's coastline that remain a British Territory. The Falklands were the site of an armed conflict between the two nations back in 1982.
The Malvinas — as the Falklands are known in Argentina — are frequently referenced by both fans and players in chants and songs. However, displaying the banner violates FIFA's regulations prohibiting political messaging in sport, prompting the opening of a formal investigation.
Additionally, the AFA is also being investigated for supporter conduct throughout the tournament, including discriminatory chants and gestures and other disruptive behavior.
"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association for potential breaches of article 13 paragraph 2 c) (Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature), article 14 paragraph 5 (Team misconduct), article 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) and article 17 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," FIFA said in a statement.
"In light of discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators and the throwing of objects by spectators in relation to several matches of the representative team of Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026."
Argentina Players Under investigation for World Cup Final Brawl
Argentine players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and Scaloni's technical staff member Roberto Ayala are also under investigation and could face sanctions for their involvement in the altercation that erupted immediately after the final whistle of the 2026 World Cup final.
The brawl appeared to be sparked when Molina struck Rodri as the Spain midfielder rushed onto the pitch to celebrate at full time. Paredes then became the central figure, grabbing Eric García by the throat before appearing to throw punches toward Spain's Gavi — who is also facing a FIFA disciplinary investigation. Almada was likewise involved in the confrontation with the Barcelona midfielder.
Ayala, meanwhile, struck Dani Olmo — though he minimized the incident, describing it as merely a "push." The Spanish playmaker has since rejected Ayala's apology, and the assistant coach now finds himself under FIFA scrutiny.
"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has received the report of the appointed Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor concerning incidents that occurred during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final (Spain v. Argentina) and, following the recommendation contained therein, has opened disciplinary proceedings," FIFA wrote in a statement.
It remains unclear how long FIFA's investigations will take or what the ultimate consequences may be. Regardless, the AFA and all individuals involved in the disciplinary matters will have the opportunity to present their cases to FIFA and offer their account of events before any official ruling is handed down.