According to FIFA, the governing body issued major disciplinary sanctions on Friday, August 21, 2026, following a violent on-field brawl after the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The match, which saw Spain defeat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time via a Ferran Torres goal, concluded with multiple suspensions and heavy fines levied against players and staff from both federations, as reported by outlets including Bola.net and Football Tweet.
Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina Receive Severe Bans From FIFA
According to Fabrizio Romano’s reporting and FIFA’s official release cited by Bola.net, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes received the tournament’s harshest punishment. Paredes was handed a 10-match ban and a 90,000-dollar fine (approximately Rp1,6 miliar) after television cameras caught him choking Spain’s Eric Garcia and shoving both Garcia and Gavi to the ground during the post-match melee.
Teammate Nahuel Molina received a 7-match ban alongside a 90,000-dollar fine. According to the source material, Molina’s sanction stemmed from punching Spain captain Rodri as the midfielder ran onto the pitch to celebrate the victory. In total, the disciplinary committee targeted multiple members of the Albiceleste squad for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Additional Player Penalties and Staff Sanctions for Argentina
According to the verified FIFA disciplinary list, Argentina forward Thiago Almada received a 1-match suspension and a 30,000-dollar fine (around Rp530 juta) for his involvement in the post-final altercation. Beyond the players, coaching staff also faced discipline; Argentina staff official Roberto Ayala was banned from accompanying the team for three matches and fined 30,000 dollars.
The Argentine Football Association itself was hit with a substantial financial penalty. According to the governing body’s announcement, Argentina must pay a fine (Rp5,7 miliar) covering both the mass brawl and a separate incident involving the display of Malvinas banners during their semifinal match against England. FIFA mandated that a portion of this total must be invested specifically into anti-discrimination and anti-racism programs. Furthermore, FIFA restricted Argentina’s home support, ordering that the Albiceleste play their next two home matches with stadiums capped at 50 percent capacity.
Gavi Penalized as the Sole Sanctioned Spanish Player
While the disciplinary fallout primarily impacted the South American side, Spanish midfielder Gavi became the only player from La Furia Roja to face official FIFA punishment. According to coverage corroborated by Fabrizio Romano, Gavi was issued a 1-match ban and a 30,000-dollar fine. Investigators determined that the young midfielder engaged in provocative gestures that directly incited Paredes and his Argentine teammates as tensions boiled over on the pitch.
Did you know?
FIFA’s investigation into the 2026 World Cup final incidents spanned over a full month before the governing body officially published the comprehensive sanctions list on August 21, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the duration of Leandro Paredes’ suspension?
According to FIFA, Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and a 90,000-dollar fine for choking and shoving opponents after the final whistle.
Why was the Argentine Football Association fined?
According to official reports, the fine covers both the post-final brawl and the display of Malvinas banners during the semifinal match against England.
Were any Spanish players punished by FIFA?
Yes, according to verified reports, Spain midfielder Gavi received a 1-match ban and a 30,000-dollar fine for provocative gestures that fueled the altercation.
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