FIFA Bans Argentina’s Leandro Paredes for 10 Games Over World Cup Final Melee With Spain

FIFA has handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine following the post-match confrontation between Argentina and Spain after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced a series of sanctions on Friday, Aug. 21, following an investigation into the melee that erupted after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium.

Paredes received the most severe punishment among the players involved. Argentina defenders Nahuel Molina and team official Roberto Ayala were also suspended, while midfielder Thiago Almada received a one-match ban.

Spain midfielder Gavi was also punished with a one-game suspension and a $30,000 fine for unsporting behavior.

FIFA Sanctions Argentina Players

The disciplinary penalties against Argentina are:

Leandro Paredes: 10-game suspension and $90,000 fine
Nahuel Molina: Seven-game suspension and $90,000 fine
Roberto Ayala: Three-game suspension and $30,000 fine
Thiago Almada: One-game suspension and $30,000 fine

FIFA classified Paredes, Molina and Ayala's offenses as assault, while Almada was charged with unsporting behavior under the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The individuals involved have 10 days to request a motivated decision and present their arguments. They also have the right to appeal the disciplinary decisions.

Why Was Leandro Paredes Banned for 10 Games?

Paredes received the 10-match suspension for his actions during the confrontation that followed Argentina's defeat to Spain.

After the final whistle, Paredes rushed toward Spain's Eric Garcia and grabbed him by the throat, knocking him to the ground. The incident occurred in front of assistant referee Tomaž Klančnik and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.

Paredes was also later seen shoving Spain midfielder Gavi as tensions between the two teams escalated.

The FIFA investigation ultimately resulted in the lengthy suspension and $90,000 financial penalty.

What Happened During the Argentina vs. Spain World Cup Final Brawl?

The confrontation followed Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup final.

Tensions that had developed throughout the match spilled over after the final whistle. Video footage appeared to show Molina throwing a punch toward Spain captain Rodri as the Spanish players celebrated near midfield.

Former Argentina international Roberto Ayala was also accused of punching Spain midfielder Dani Olmo during the post-match confrontation.

The incidents prompted FIFA to appoint a prosecutor to investigate potential violations of its disciplinary regulations.

FIFA Punishes Spain's Gavi

Gavi was also sanctioned following the incident.

The Spain midfielder received:

One-match suspension
$30,000 fine

FIFA charged Gavi with unsporting behavior under its disciplinary code.

His suspension adds another disciplinary consequence to a dramatic final that was overshadowed by the post-match confrontation.

Argentina Football Association Fined More Than $300,000

FIFA also imposed a significant financial penalty on the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

The association was fined $321,000 for several alleged breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, including team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations, and match security violations.

FIFA also ordered Argentina to play its next two home matches at 50% stadium capacity.

However, one of those two matches and $100,000 of the financial penalty were suspended during a probationary period.

Argentina must also invest $100,000 into a program designed to combat discrimination, according to FIFA.

Full FIFA Penalties After the World Cup Final

The disciplinary action covers both the players involved in the confrontation and broader conduct surrounding the Argentina team and its supporters.

The most significant individual punishment went to Paredes, whose 10-match suspension makes him the player facing the longest ban from the World Cup final incident.

The sanctions underline FIFA's determination to punish violent conduct and discriminatory behavior following one of the most controversial moments of the 2026 World Cup.

Key Takeaways

Leandro Paredes has been banned for 10 matches.
Paredes was fined $90,000.
Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension and $90,000 fine.
Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000.
Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension and $30,000 fine.
Spain's Gavi was suspended for one match and fined $30,000.
The Argentine Football Association was fined $321,000.
Argentina must play its next two home matches at 50% capacity, subject to FIFA's probationary terms.
The sanctioned parties have the right to request a motivated decision and appeal the rulings.

The FIFA disciplinary decisions bring formal consequences to the post-match chaos that followed Spain's World Cup final victory over Argentina, with Paredes facing the most significant individual punishment.

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