FIFA sanctions Argentine players and FA after World Cup final brawl

FIFA has imposed sanctions on several Argentine players and an assistant coach for their involvement in a post-match altercation following the 2026 World Cup final. The final, held on July 19, 2026, in New Jersey, USA, saw Spain defeat Argentina. The disciplinary actions include playing bans and fines.

Leandro Paredes received the most severe penalty, a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine. Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches and fined $90,000. Thiago Almada and Pablo Martin Paez Gavira each received a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also sanctioned with a ban and a $30,000 fine.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) faces a significant financial penalty of $321,000, approximately 5.6 billion Indonesian Rupiah. This fine stems from multiple violations of FIFA's Disciplinary Code, including using the sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and issues related to stadium order and security.

Furthermore, the AFA was penalized for discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters. As a consequence, the association must limit spectator capacity to 50% for its next two home matches. FIFA has directed that $100,000 of the total fine be invested in anti-discrimination initiatives. A portion of the sanctions, including one match ban and a $100,000 fine, has been suspended under a probationary period.