FIFA Probes Argentina Players Over Post-Final Clash With Spain

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following incidents involving players and officials after the country’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The world football governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate events that occurred after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Spain claimed the title.

Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff were involved in confrontations with Spanish players immediately after the match, prompting FIFA to launch a formal review.

According to BBC Sport, FIFA will investigate Argentina defenders Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, over alleged assault offences under Article 14 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code.

Molina is also facing a separate investigation for alleged unsporting behaviour, alongside teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi.

Under FIFA regulations, players and officials found guilty of unsporting conduct face a minimum one-match suspension, while assault offences attract a minimum three-match ban.

The Argentine Football Association is also under investigation for several alleged breaches during the tournament.

These include the use of sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, as well as breaches of match order and security regulations.

FIFA said the investigation also covers allegations of discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, inappropriate messages displayed by players or supporters, and objects allegedly thrown during matches.

Argentina also attracted attention after players celebrated their semi-final victory over England with a banner supporting the country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

The banner displayed the message, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” meaning “The Falklands are Argentine.”

FIFA is expected to review all available evidence before deciding whether disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on the players, officials and the Argentine Football Association.

The governing body has not indicated when the disciplinary process will be concluded.

The investigation follows the heated scenes that erupted after Spain’s victory, which ended Argentina’s reign as world champions after holding the title since winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup.