A month after a particularly tense World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, FIFA has announced its sanctions. Several Argentine players have received heavy suspensions for the incidents that erupted after Spain's 1-0 victory (after extra time) on July 19. Leandro Paredes received the harshest punishment with a 10-match ban, while Nahuel Molina will miss seven games. The Argentine Football Association has also been sanctioned for several incidents during the World Cup, with a total fine of $321,000 and a restriction on stadium capacity for its upcoming home matches.
Paredes suspended for 10 matches and fined heavily
Leandro Paredes has received the most severe individual sanction. The Argentinian midfielder is suspended for 10 international matches and will also have to pay a fine of $90,000. The sanction relates to his behavior during the clashes that followed the final whistle of the World Cup final. While the Spanish players were celebrating their title, an altercation broke out between several members of the two teams. Paredes was notably involved in clashes with Spanish players and pushed Gavi to the ground. FIFA had initiated several disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian for incidents including violent conduct.
Seven-match suspension for Nahuel Molina
Nahuel Molina has also been heavily sanctioned. The Argentinian defender has been suspended for seven matches and fined $90,000. Molina was involved in the clashes that occurred after the final and was notably being prosecuted for actions concerning the Spanish captain, Rodri. These suspensions affect Argentina's international matches and will therefore deprive the national team of two of its players for several games.
Thiago Almada and Gavi also sanctioned
The sanctions don't only affect Paredes and Molina. Thiago Almada receives a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct. On the Spanish side, Gavi is also sanctioned for his involvement in the incidents. The La Roja midfielder is suspended for one match and will also have to pay a $30,000 fine. Roberto Ayala, a member of the Argentine national team's coaching staff, is suspended for three matches and fined $30,000.
A final under very high tension
The incident dates back to July 19, following the 2026 World Cup final played at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Spain had just defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time when the situation escalated. As the Spanish players rushed onto the pitch to celebrate their world title, several players from both teams clashed. Pushing and shoving and violent gestures were observed, leading to the opening of disciplinary proceedings. FIFA ultimately chose to distinguish individual responsibilities, with particularly severe sanctions for Paredes and Molina.
Argentina also sanctioned for the Falklands banner
The sanctions extend far beyond the incidents during the final. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) must pay a total of $321,000 for several infractions committed during the tournament. Among the sanctioned offenses is the use of a sporting event for political purposes. After their semi-final victory against England, Argentine players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" (The Falkland Islands Are Argentinas), asserting Argentine sovereignty over the islands. FIFA is also sanctioning the AFA for discriminatory chants and gestures by fans, team behavior issues, and various violations related to security and match organization. Of the total amount imposed on the Argentine Federation, $100,000 must be allocated to anti-discrimination initiatives.
Two home games with reduced capacity
Argentina is also facing sanctions in the stands. FIFA has imposed a 50% reduction in stadium capacity for the national team's next two home matches. Part of this sanction, however, is suspended and will depend, in particular, on the Argentine Football Association's compliance with the measures imposed. The various decisions can still be appealed. But as it stands, the disciplinary record of the World Cup is particularly heavy for the Albiceleste: a 10-match suspension for Paredes, 7 for Molina, one for Almada, 3 for Roberto Ayala, several hundred thousand dollars in fines, and restrictions on the number of spectators allowed in the stands for the Argentine national team.
