FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against several members of the Argentina national football team following their defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
The final, held at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19, saw Spain secure a 1-0 victory after extra time. Post-match tensions escalated as Argentina players and officials confronted their Spanish counterparts.
Players Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Leandro Paredes, and team official Roberto Ayala are among those under investigation, alongside Spain's Pablo Martin Paez Gavira. The charges range from assault to unsporting behaviour.
Additional Investigation Over Semi-Final Incident
FIFA is also probing an incident from Argentina's 2-1 semi-final win against England, where players displayed a banner stating "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine). This act is being examined for breaching regulations against political demonstrations at sporting events.
The proceedings encompass potential violations of FIFA's codes concerning:
- Use of sports events for non-sporting demonstrations
- Team misconduct
- Discrimination and racist abuse
- Match order and security protocols
FIFA cited concerns over discriminatory chants and gestures, delays in kick-offs, failure to adhere to security measures, inappropriate messages from both team and spectators, and objects thrown by fans during several Argentina matches at the tournament.
