Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine from FIFA for his role in a brawl immediately following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Nahuel Molina was banned for 7 games and also fined $90,000 for involvement in the same post-match altercation [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for unsporting behavior related to the incident [1, 2, 3, 4, 6]. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was banned for 3 games and fined $30,000 for assault during the brawl [1, 2, 3, 4, 6]. Spain player Gavi was suspended for one game and fined $30,000 for his part in the scuffle [1, 2, 3, 4, 6].
The Argentina Football Association (AFA) was fined $321,000 for multiple disciplinary breaches during the tournament, including discriminatory chants, political banners referencing the Falklands/Malvinas dispute, and failure to control players and fans [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. FIFA has also ordered Argentina to restrict attendance to 50% capacity for their next two home matches, with one match’s spectator ban suspended on probation [2, 3, 4, 5].
The brawl erupted at the final whistle on July 19, minutes after Spain secured victory in extra time [1, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The incident involved several players and members of Argentina's coaching staff and resulted in disciplinary investigations by FIFA announced on July 29 [2]. On August 21, FIFA handed down the bans and fines to the players, coach, and AFA [1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 5, 6].
The AFA stated it plans to appeal the sanctions. "The AFA legal department will request the grounds for the rulings from FIFA before filing an appeal," the association said [1]. It also confirmed it will contest all suspensions and fines, reserving the right to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary [7, 5, 6].
