Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-match suspension and $90,000 fine by FIFA following the chaotic scenes that marred the end of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain.
The FIFA disciplinary measures, announced Friday, come after tempers boiled over following Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final in New Jersey.
Paredes received the heaviest punishment among the players sanctioned, with his suspension set to be served during Argentina’s upcoming international fixtures.
The midfielder was at the centre of the postmatch confrontation after appearing to grab Spain defender Eric Garcia around the throat before the incident escalated into a wider confrontation involving players, substitutes and members of both coaching staffs.
Molina also handed lengthy suspension. Photocredit: Imago
Argentina defender Nahuel Molina has also been hit with a significant punishment, receiving a seven-match suspension and $90,000 fine.
Molina was among the Argentina players investigated by FIFA over the incidents that followed the final whistle.
FIFA had previously confirmed that disciplinary proceedings were opened against Paredes and Molina for alleged assault, while Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi were investigated for unsporting behaviour.
Molina’s seven-game ban makes him the second-most severely punished player in the latest disciplinary decisions.
Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension and $30,000 fine, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-match suspension and $30,000 fine.
Spain’s Gavi was also punished, receiving a one-match suspension and $30,000 fine for his involvement in the confrontation.
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The disciplinary action brings another chapter to an extraordinary World Cup final that Spain won through Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal.
The match itself had already been tense, with Argentina reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time.
But the biggest controversy came after the final whistle. as Spain celebrated their second World Cup triumph, the confrontation involving Paredes and Garcia quickly escalated.
Gavi became involved, while Molina and other Argentina players also joined the melee before teammates and officials eventually restored order.
FIFA subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings over the scenes, with its initial investigation identifying potential breaches involving Paredes, Molina, Almada, Ayala and Gavi.
The Argentina-Spain World Cup final descended into chaos after the final whistle, with players from both sides involved in a heated confrontation that has now resulted in FIFA disciplinary sanctions.
The disciplinary fallout has overshadowed some of the more sporting scenes that followed the final.
Spain had defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to claim their second World Cup title, following their 2010 triumph. The victory also made Spain the first nation to simultaneously hold the FIFA men’s and women’s World Cup titles.
Despite the ugly confrontation, there were also moments of respect after the match, with several Spain players embracing Lionel Messi and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni sharing a lengthy hug with Spain boss Luis de la Fuente.
The contrast between those scenes and the post-match brawl has now been followed by a series of substantial FIFA punishments.
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Paredes consequences are severe. Ten international matches out of action and a $90,000 fine mean the midfielder will pay the biggest individual price for the events that followed one of the most dramatic World Cup finals in recent history.
