FIFA fines Argentina $321,000 and bans Paredes for 10 matches over World Cup final fracas

FIFA has handed the Argentine Football Association (AFA) a $321,000 (£235,000) fine and a series of additional penalties following disciplinary breaches at the 2026 World Cup, centred on a post-match altercation at the final on July 19. Four Argentine players and staff members, plus one Spanish player, have also received individual suspensions.

The AFA’s fine covers a range of violations including discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and failures in match order and security. FIFA has further ordered Argentina to limit spectator capacity to 50% for their next home match. A second capacity restriction and $100,000 of the fine have been suspended subject to a probationary period, while $100,000 of the total must be channelled into an anti-discrimination plan.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes received the stiffest individual punishment, drawing a 10-match ban and a $90,000 (£66,000) fine. Defender Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match ban and an identical $90,000 fine. Forward Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were issued one-match and three-match suspensions respectively, each accompanied by a $30,000 (£22,000) fine.

Spain midfielder Gavi was also sanctioned, receiving a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine for his involvement in the post-final incidents.

FIFA confirmed that all match bans will be served during the respective national teams’ international fixtures in September and October. All parties have 10 days to request a motivated decision before lodging any potential appeal.