Paredes handed 10-match ban over World Cup final brawl

FIFA's disciplinary committee has suspended Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for 10 matches over his involvement in on-field clashes that followed the 2026 World Cup final, which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain. Multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Team-mate Nahuel Molina has also been suspended, receiving a seven-match ban. Both Paredes and Molina must additionally pay fines of $90,000 (£66,000) each.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for breaches of FIFA's disciplinary code, covering the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters. FIFA has ruled that $100,000 (£73,000) of the fine must go toward an anti-discrimination programme, while a further $100,000 (£73,000) of the fine has been suspended pending a probationary period.

Falklands banner and post-match unrest

After beating England 2-1 in the semi-final, several Argentina players displayed a banner asserting Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory. Last month FIFA appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the events that unfolded after the final whistle.

Spain midfielder Gavi has been given a one-match ban and a $30,000 (£22,000) fine for his part in the post-match confrontation, matching the sanction handed to Argentina's Thiago Almada. Roberto Ayala, a member of Argentina's coaching staff, received a three-match suspension along with a $30,000 fine.

Argentina have also been ordered to play their next two home matches at 50% stadium capacity, though one of those two sanctions has been suspended.