World Cup final assault: Argentina's Paredes banned for 10 matches, receiving harshest penalty

FIFA has imposed severe sanctions on three Argentine players involved in a post-match altercation following the 2026 North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup final against Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes has been handed the most significant penalty, a 10-match suspension, marking the harshest ban in World Cup history for such an offense.

Paredes, along with defenders Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada, were disciplined for physically confronting Spanish players immediately after their defeat. Paredes was cited for grabbing Spanish defender Éric García by the neck and pushing midfielder Gavi. Molina received a seven-match ban, and Almada a one-match suspension. In addition to suspensions, Paredes and Molina must pay $90,000 each, while Almada faces a $30,000 fine.

Argentina's national team also faces penalties beyond player misconduct. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined $110,000 for political banners displayed by players after their semi-final victory over England, referencing the 1982 Falklands War. Fans were also penalized for discriminatory chants. The AFA must also pay an additional $100,000 to FIFA's anti-racism initiatives.

These sanctions add to a history of disciplinary actions in football. Notably, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez received an eight-match ban and a four-month football activity suspension for biting Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup. Croatia's Josip Šimunić also received a 10-match ban for shouting a Nazi slogan after a World Cup playoff match in 2013.

The Argentine Football Association has stated its intention to appeal FIFA's decisions, potentially escalating the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as a final recourse.

“

Argentina's Football Association has decided to appeal FIFA's decision and will keep the possibility of filing a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) open as a final measure.