Additionally, Gavi will also serve a one-game ban when Spain takes on England on September 26 for a Nations League match at Wembley
Published: August 22, 2026, 12:49 PM IST
Share Article
https://www.india.com/sports/bad-news-for-lionel-messi-and-argentina-after-fifa-world-cup-2026-final-loss-they-have-been-banned-8507325/
Players of Argentina react after the final match between Spain and Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the New York New Jersey Stadium, the United States, July 19, 2026(Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
The apex governing body of football has taken a massive decision to punish the wrong doings carried out by Argentina players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain last monthA huge scuffle had broke out between the two teams after the full-time whistle was blown at the MetLife Stadium in New York which resulted an infamous ending to an overall successful edition across the North Americas.
The brawl had somehow taken the shine off the biggest ever FIFA World Cup edition which was participated by 48 nations and co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and CanadaSpain lifted the coveted title for the second time in their history and first time since 2010 when they defeated the Netherlands for their maiden world title.
This time around, La Roja outplayed 2022 winners Argentina in what was one of the most one-sided finals of all timeFerran Torres’ goal in the second period of extra-time was enough to seal the victory for Spain, who astoundingly did not even concede a single shot on target as they troubled the Argentinians for the entire 120 minutes.
Speaking of troubles, Argentina has finally been reprimanded for their behavior during their unsuccessful title defense.
What happened after the World Cup final?
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes triggered a massive brawl between the two sets of players right after the World Cup final in New York came to an endParedes held Spanish defender Eric Garcia by the throat and also pushed midfielder Gavi to the floor following a round of verbal jabsParedes’ behavior was heavily condemned on social media and FIFA has finally delivered a verdict on it.
Paredes, Molina, Almada and AFA handed harsh punishments
The apex governing body, which has ranked it as one of the most severe incidents in a World Cup, slapped a 10-match ban along with a 90,000 dollar fine on Paredes for the altercations against Garcia and PedriThis means that Paredes will be out of all Argentina matches for an entire year with FIFA’s calendar having La Albiceleste play 10 games through June 2027.
Two other Argentinians, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada have also been punishedMolina will serve a seven-match ban while Almada has been suspended for only one game with fines of 90,000 and 30,000 dollars respectively.
The sanctions are not limited to the players as the Argentina Football Association has also been fined a staggering 321,000 dollars for breaching FIFA’s disciplinary code.
The sanctions are not limited to the players as the Argentina Football Association has also been fined a staggering 321,000 dollars for breaching FIFA’s disciplinary code relating to the display of political and controversial posters/banners and usage of discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters.
It majorly stems from the racial chants directed by Argentina fans to opposing players or supporters as well as the Las Malvinas flag displayed by the La Albiceleste players after beating England 2-1 in a scintillating semi-final.
AFA has now been instructed to play their next two home games with 50% capacity by FIFA, who have also ordered the Argentinian board to use 100,000 of the 321,000 dollars fine to combat racism and discrimination.
Additionally, Gavi will also serve a one-game ban when Spain takes on England on September 26 for a Nations League match at Wembley.
AFA likely to appeal
It is also being reported that the Argentine federation will likely appeal against some of the sanctions to FIFA’s appeal committee with an option of knocking the doors of the Court of Arbitration of Sports, if required in near future.
“The AFA legal department will, in a timely manner, request from FIFA the grounds for the reviewable rulings in order to file appeals with the governing body’s appeal committee, while retaining the future option of appealing to the CAS as a final recourse,” AFA said in a statement.
