FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following a series of incidents that marred the aftermath of their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, exposing several players, officials and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to possible sanctions.
The move follows a preliminary assessment by a FIFA-appointed disciplinary and ethics prosecutor, who reviewed the events that unfolded after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where multiple Argentina players and members of the coaching staff were involved in heated altercations with Spain’s players.
Based on the prosecutor’s recommendation, FIFA confirmed it is investigating Argentina defenders Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, over allegations of assault under Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Paredes faces three separate allegations of assault, while Molina is accused on two counts and also faces an additional charge of alleged unsporting behaviour. Ayala is being investigated on one count of alleged assault.
Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada and Spain star Gavi are also under investigation for alleged unsporting conduct.
If found guilty, the players and officials could face significant sanctions. FIFA’s disciplinary code stipulates a minimum one-match suspension for unsporting behaviour and at least a three-match ban for assault.
Beyond the individual cases, the Argentine Football Association is also facing disciplinary action over alleged misconduct during several matches throughout the tournament.
The charges include using football matches for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, as well as breaches of order and security regulations.
FIFA’s investigation will also examine reports of discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, the display of inappropriate messages by players and supporters, and incidents involving spectators throwing objects during matches.
One of the key issues under scrutiny is Argentina’s post-match celebration after their semi-final victory over England, where players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), a politically charged message supporting Argentina’s claim over the disputed Falkland Islands.
The disciplinary proceedings mark one of FIFA’s most extensive post-tournament investigations and could result in suspensions for players and officials, as well as sanctions against the Argentine Football Association.
