FIFA hands Paredes 10‑match ban; Argentina fined €250,000

FIFA has issued its final sanctions following the disturbances after the World Cup 2026 final in New York, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time. The association imposed the heaviest individual punishment on Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes, while also levying penalties against other members of the squad and the national federation.

Sanctions and scope

The disciplinary committee suspended Leandro Paredes for ten international matches. Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension, Thiago Almada was banned for two international matches, and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches; FIFA judged Ayala's offence to be less serious than those attributed to members of the Argentine team. The decision was announced on 21.08.2026.

FIFA clarified that these suspensions apply exclusively to appearances for the national teams. This means Paredes, Gavi, Molina and Almada may continue playing for their clubs while serving their bans during future international fixtures.

In addition to individual sanctions, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined €250,000. FIFA cited a range of breaches during the tournament that formed the basis for the fine: discriminatory chants and gestures, delays at kick-offs, failures in security protocols, throwing objects onto the pitch, and political messages that appeared during the competition.

The disciplinary measures follow the large-scale incidents that unfolded after the final whistle in New York, when Spain secured the title. FIFA's move closes the disciplinary chapter relating to those post-match disturbances, imposing suspensions and a monetary penalty on the federation.

All parties subject to these sanctions will be barred from national-team duties for the durations specified; FIFA's rulings did not extend to domestic club competitions.

Photo: press material from the event