FIFA confirm huge punishments after 2026 World Cup final brawl

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

FIFA have handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-game ban following his antics after the 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Paredes, who was perhaps fortunate to avoid a red card during the 120 minutes, grabbed Spain star Eric Garcia by the throat after the full-time whistle, while he then attacked Gavi and hurled the Barcelona midfielder to the floor.

It was initially reported that Paredes had received a red card following his antics after the match, but FIFA have confirmed this wasn’t the case. However, he has now received a retrospective 10-match ban and a $90,000 fine.

The incident involving Paredes started due to a confrontation between Golden Ball winner Rodri and Argentina defender Nahuel Molina, who has also been punished by FIFA. He has been banned for seven matches and will be required to pay a $90,000 fine.

Fellow Argentina international Thiago Almada has been punished too, with a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine, and team official Roberto Ayala has received a three-game ban and a $30,00 fine.

In addition, Spain star Gavi has been handed a one-game ban and a $30,000 fine for his role in the brawl.

Meanwhile, the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) have been hit with a $321,00 fine. Furthermore, they have been ordered to play their next two home matches with 50% capacity.

FIFA confirm World Cup final punishments

In a statement posted on the FIFA website, world football’s governing body said: “After a thorough assessment of the relevant cases, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the following sanctions for incidents at different FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches:

“Argentinian Football Association (AFA): fines amounting to USD 321,000 for breaches of articles 13 paragraph 2 c) (Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature), 14 paragraph 5 (Team misconduct), 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) in light of discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters, and 17 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC).

“In addition, because of the breach associated with article 15 of the FDC, the AFA has been ordered to play its next two home matches with a limited number of spectators (50%).

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee further determined that:

- USD 100,000 of the USD 321,000 must be invested in a plan to combat discrimination; and

- the implementation of part of the sanction (one of the two matches and USD 100,000 of the fine) is suspended, with a probationary period to apply.

“Moreover, following the submission of the report by the appointed Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor on the incidents that occurred at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina played at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the sanctions detailed below.

“Leandro Paredes (player): a ten-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000.

Nahuel Molina (player): a seven-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000.

Thiago Almada (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000.

Roberto Ayala (team official): a three-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000.

Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000.

“In line with article 69 paragraphs 2 a) and 3 of the FDC, the match suspensions are carried over to the next matches of the relevant representative teams.

“The parties were notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decisions today. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FDC, they have ten days to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, will subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com. The decisions remain subject to appeal based on article 61 of the FDC.”