FIFA Sanctions Argentina and Spain Players Over 2026 World Cup Final Brawl
- FIFA handed out bans and fines to players and staff from both Argentina and Spain following a post-match melee at the 2026 World Cup final
- Leandro Paredes received the heaviest punishment among the individuals sanctioned for their role in the disturbance
- The Argentina Football Association also faced separate financial penalties over a political banner displayed during the tournament
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FIFA has announced a package of suspensions and fines targeting players and officials from Argentina and Spain following the violent scenes that erupted at the end of the 2026 World Cup final on July 19, in the United States.
Spain claimed their second world title that night after Ferran Torres scored in extra time to seal a victory over Argentina and end La Albiceleste's bid for back-to-back World Cup wins.
Source: Getty Images
Within seconds of the final whistle, a brawl broke out on the pitch, drawing in Argentina players and staff as well as Spain's Gavi, and it took several minutes before order was fully restored.
FIFA sanction Argentina and Spain players
According to The Athletic, World football's governing body issued its verdicts roughly a month after the incident.
Leandro Paredes received the stiffest individual punishment, a 10-match international ban and a $90,000 fine. His compatriot Nahuel Molina was hit with a seven-game suspension and an identical $90,000 fine.
Thiago Almada picked up a three-match ban and a $30,000 fine, while Argentina assistant coach Daniel Ayala was handed a one-match ban and fined $30,000. Spain's Gavi also received a one-match suspension alongside a $30,000 fine.
Beyond the brawl-related sanctions, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) faces additional consequences over a separate incident during the tournament.
FIFA fined the AFA $310,000 after Argentine players displayed a political banner following their 2-1 semi-final victory over England.
The FA will also invest $100,000 in anti-discrimination education programmes, and Argentina's next two home fixtures will be played at 50% stadium capacity. A further $100,000 fine has been suspended on a one-year probationary basis.
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Scaloni’s update on Messi’s future
Beyond the fines and suspensions, Argentina faces a bigger problem after Legit.ng previously reported Lionel Scaloni’s update on Messi’s future.
The Argentina captain is uncertain of continuing with the national team after losing the final, which be admitted is going to hurt for a very long time.
Source: Legit.ng
